What you need to know about the sexual misconduct scandals at CSU
Times investigations have detailed how officials in the California State University system failed to protect students and employees from sexual misconduct, harassment, retaliation and hate.
The reporting exposed troubling flaws in the way that misconduct accusations are investigated in the nation’s largest public four-year university system, prompting state lawmakers to order an independent investigation and leading to reforms and leadership changes in the 23-campus system.
The disclosures also led to a new state law to strengthen accountability by requiring CSU officials to file annual reports with the Legislature.
Catch up on our coverage here:
- 1
California State University was rocked by sexual misconduct scandals. Its most powerful leaders — the Board of Trustees — were not held accountable.
Dec. 14, 2023
- 2
California State University will be required to publicly disclose the outcome of sexual harassment complaints and investigations.
Oct. 10, 2023
- 3
Auditors found problems with how California State University handles sexual harassment complaints and investigations, including not tracking repeat offenders.
July 14, 2023
- 4
A report found flaws in the Cal State system’s data collection on sexual harassment and sexual misconduct cases and cited wide distrust by students and employees.
May 24, 2023
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Experts said an independent investigation should have been conducted into claims against Cal State Fullerton’s president, who denied doing anything wrong.
May 21, 2023
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The school did not report the sexual misconduct allegations to the U.S. Maritime Administration, which owns the Training Ship Golden Bear.
April 13, 2023
- 7
Women and trans and nonbinary cadets at Cal State University Maritime Academy describe a pervasive culture of misogyny, sexual abuse and harassment.
Dec. 13, 2022
- 8
Students, faculty and experts say the university’s statements on the allegations have undermined public confidence in the school.
Oct. 9, 2022
- 9
The review comes amid an ongoing Times investigation into breakdowns in CSU’s handling of reports of sexual misconduct, workplace bullying and retaliation.
Oct. 1, 2022
- 10
The teen, now 18, alleges in a lawsuit that she was gang-raped by three former San Diego State football players, including Matt Araiza.
Sept. 1, 2022
- 11
NFL punter Matt Araiza released from Buffalo Bills amid sex assault allegation in San Diego
Aug. 27, 2022
- 12
A lawyer for the woman who alleges she was raped by Araiza and two San Diego State football players publicly released excerpts of her diary.
Aug. 26, 2022
- 13
A woman’s lawsuit alleges that Matt Araiza, now with the Buffalo Bills, and two San Diego State football players raped her when she was 17.
Aug. 25, 2022
- 14
The 18-year-old expressed frustration with the ongoing police inquiry and the lack of action by San Diego State.
July 29, 2022
- 15
An investigation by Cal State San Marcos authorities concluded two professors had engaged in egregious sexual harassment and misconduct in violation of university policy.
July 26, 2022
- 16
Lawmakers cited Times investigations uncovering inconsistencies in how harassment and retaliation claims are investigated across California State University.
June 27, 2022
- 17
The decision by President Judy Sakaki comes after a Times investigation detailed allegations of sexual harassment against her husband and retaliation by her.
June 6, 2022
- 18
San Diego State University held off investigating at the request of police, who say their inquiry into the alleged October incident involving a minor is ongoing.
June 3, 2022
- 19
An investigation into a former Cal State Channel Islands vice president found he engaged in inappropriate touching and made unwanted sexual comments.
May 18, 2022
- 20
A review of hundreds of records reveal inconsistencies in addressing sexual harassment allegations at California State University.
May 13, 2022
- 21
The call for President Judy Sakaki to step down came after Sonoma State faculty voted in favor of a resolution expressing ‘no confidence’ in her leadership.
May 9, 2022
- 22
Art pieces from a collection donated to Sonoma State were moved to President Judy Sakaki’s home, where they were destroyed in the 2017 Tubbs fire.
May 4, 2022
- 23
Weeks after Sonoma State’s president criticized the CSU’s sex harassment response, she herself is embroiled in scandal, with faculty revolting against her.
April 20, 2022
- 24
University President Judy Sakaki announced the separation days after a Times investigation detailed reports of sexual harassment by her husband.
April 18, 2022
- 25
CSU paid $600,000 to settle a former Sonoma State provost’s legal claim that she suffered retaliation after reporting sexual harassment by the university president’s husband.
April 14, 2022
- 26
The move follows a Times investigation which reported that CSU has paid more than $4 million to 11 former executives since 2015 with little accountability.
March 22, 2022
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CSU has paid more than $4 million in salary and benefits to a small group of former executives including former Chancellor Joseph I. Castro, who resigned last month
March 11, 2022
- 28
Following his resignation as CSU chancellor, Joseph I. Castro will continue to receive his $400,000 salary for a year and a housing allowance.
March 4, 2022
- 29
Cal State Board of Trustees has asked the Chancellor’s Office to investigate Fresno State’s handling of allegations under former President Castro.
March 2, 2022
- 30
Trustees voted to review how Title IX cases involving sexual and gender harassment are handled across the Cal State system.
Feb. 19, 2022
- 31
Chancellor Joseph I. Castro’s resignation follows outcry over his handling of sexual misconduct and workplace harassment allegations while he was president of Fresno State.
Feb. 17, 2022
- 32
Chancellor Joseph I. Castro approved a quiet $260,000 payout to administrator Frank Lamas, who was accused of sexual misconduct, according to documents and officials.
Feb. 4, 2022