WILBERFORCE — An outside investigation into alleged personnel actions by Central State University President Dr. Jack Thomas found no discrimination, harassment, or university policy violations.
But the investigation — conducted at the request of the CSU Board of Trustees after it received a letter of complaint by five former or current employees in August 2022 — did note issues related to the president’s leadership style.
The board hired the Taft law firm to conduct the investigation, which included interviewing the five complainants, Thomas, and university staff, and review relevant university policies.
The report’s summary of findings stated, “President Thomas’ leadership style as it relates to the complainants may be characterized as rude, belittling, and bullying, but does not rise to the level of harassment.”
Board Chair Mark Hatcher said the trustees expect “university employees to conduct themselves at all times with civility and mutual respect for fellow employees,”
“We have discussed the results of this investigation with Dr. Thomas and we mutually agreed that he immediately undergo executive leadership and effective communication coaching,” Hatcher said in a statement.
Thomas, who became the ninth CSU president on July 1, 2020 and received a three-year contract, said he believes he is delivering results “during challenging times.”
“I have always made decisions with the best interests of the university in mind, and in an effort to move the institution forward,” Thomas said in the statement. “While I have always intended to treat those around me with respect, in the process of helping transform Central State University, I am charged to encourage and hold those who work for the institution with high and lofty expectations. Nevertheless, we can all benefit from personal reflection and coaching . I look forward to participating in leadership and effective communication coaching in an effort to improve my effectiveness leading this university.”
The complainants alleged discrimination, wrongful termination or demotion, harassment and intimidation, pay inequities, and other things aimed at women, primarily African American women, according to the investigation report.
According to the university, the complaint stated, “It has resulted in adverse, career limiting, and damaging personnel actions against women … Women in high-level and leadership positions have either resigned, been terminated, and/or demoted since Dr. Thomas’ tenure started in July of 2020.”
The complaint also stated that each of these women had their titles and positions stripped away and their pay cut, and were replaced by other less qualified individuals.
