We are grateful that The Regents of the University of California concurred with the recommendation of Chancellor Cynthia K. Larive and President Janet Napolitano to dismiss Gopal Balakrishnan, a formerly tenured professor who violated the 2015 UC Policy on Sexual Harassment and the Faculty Code of Conduct. We are also pleased President Napolitano concurred with Chancellor Larive’s recommendation to deny Balakrishnan emeritus status. Balakrishnan was on leave since we started our investigation and was suspended without pay on Aug. 15.
We thank the courageous people who stepped forward to report their experiences to our Title IX Office and participated in the adjudication process. Our campus is a safer place because of their bravery.
The misconduct, confirmed through our investigation and adjudication process, harmed the complainants, and that trauma rippled through our campus and university system undermining our ability to carry out the mission and central functions of the university. Our campuses must be safe and supportive environments to serve our students and succeed in our educational mission.
Sexual misconduct has no place at UC Santa Cruz, and we work to create a community that is inclusive and welcoming to all. We strive to respond comprehensively and effectively when we learn of allegations, with the goal of protecting everyone in our community.
For media inquiries, contact Scott Hernandez-Jason at shj@ucsc.edu and 831-459-4347.
