THE ASSEMBLY

STATE OF NEW YORK

ALBANY CHAIR
Higher Education Committee
Intern Committee

DEBORAH J. GLICK COMMITTEES

TH
Assemblymember 66 District Environmental Conservation
New York County Rules
Ways & Means

Assemblymember Deborah J. Glick’s Statement on SUNY Chancellor Dr. Jim Malatras

December 6, 2021

When Dr. Jim Malatras was named Chancellor, I was disappointed that a national search hadn’t
been conducted. Dr. Kristina Johnson, the previous Chancellor, had been selected in that fashion
and was an exceptional educational leader with a stellar national reputation and wide-ranging
experience.

While Dr. Malatras is knowledgeable about New York State and is a skilled operational manager
who appeared to ably lead SUNY’s response to COVID-19, we are moving beyond needing an
intense response to COVID. It is important that the country’s largest university system search for
a true academic leader who can set SUNY on a course to continue to attract a diverse and
talented student body to its superb and varied colleges.

It is all the more critical that students and their families have confidence that their college
experience will be free of sexual harassment and bias of any kind. It is disturbing to learn that in
the midst of managing the COVID crisis, Dr. Malatras is reported to have engaged in conduct
meant to undermine serious allegations against former Governor Cuomo. I do not believe that
recent revelations of the Chancellor’s involvement in defaming those who accused the former
Governor of sexual harassment can in any way assure students and families that the commitment
to a harassment free environment will be honored, especially in instances where a prominent
member of the university faces credible charges.

For the sake of the future of SUNY, I believe it is most appropriate for the Chancellor to resign
or be removed by the SUNY Board of Trustees.

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