UC Davis Professors Support Katehi At UC Board Of Regents Meeting
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — It's Day 1 of a three-day meeting of the University Of California Board Of Regents. They have not met since UC Davis Chancellor Linda Katehi was placed on administrative leave.
"We feel that her very substantial and significant accomplishments and have not been reported or understood accurately," said UC Davis professor Kathy Ferrara.
Five university professors address the UC board of regents on Tuesday. Their message was resoundingly supportive for Katehi.
"For the first time in the history of this wonderful institution, we have seen one employee being tried in the court of public opinion," said UC Davis professor Walter Leal.
Katehi has faced tough criticism over accepting paid positions outside of the UC system. During her leave of absence, UC Davis Provost Ralph Hexter will serve in the interim. The professors said that her work as chancellor has been invaluable and that placing her on leave was premature.
"Faculty were not consulted this decision was president was completely from the president of the University of California top down," said Professor Jodi Nunnari.
Notably absent from Tuesday's meeting were the students who have spent months calling for Katehi's resignation. Inside of the Sacramento Convention Center, UC security officers lined the hallways. But the regents and supporters met with no interruptions.
"I really implore you to practice now going forward the common courtesy principle of due process," Nunnari said.