The California State University (CSU) system has approved a $343,920 executive transition assignment for Tomas Morales, the outgoing president of Cal State San Bernardino, despite a recent $12 million settlement involving allegations of gender discrimination and harassment linked to his leadership. The decision, announced on July 24, 2026, has sparked debate and criticism from former employees and legal representatives involved in the lawsuit.

Morales, who declared last year that he would step down at the conclusion of the 2025-26 academic year, was named in a 2023 civil suit filed by two former administrators, Clare Weber and Anissa Rogers. The lawsuit accused Morales of fostering a workplace culture in which gender discrimination and harassment were prevalent, alleging that he engaged in gender-based pay disparities, harsh treatment of female staff, and that complaints about misconduct were ignored or met with retaliation. The suit also implicated a former dean, Jake Zhu, and cited inaction from then-interim Chancellor Jolene Koester.

While CSU denied all wrongdoing and stated in a release that the settlement was made to avoid further litigation costs, Morales, Zhu, and the Board of Trustees have all formally denied the allegations. The university emphasized that Morales remains in “good standing,” a designation that qualifies him for the transition program. In this role, Morales will advise incoming Cal State San Bernardino President Terri Gomez—a seasoned academic leader with extensive experience in higher education—and focus on expanding the CSU’s international engagement and global partnerships.

The transition program, established in 1981, allows departing executives to receive pay while providing advice and counsel, aiming to retain institutional knowledge and support leadership continuity. CSU Chancellor Mildred Garcia praised Morales for his “outstanding leadership,” highlighting improvements under his tenure, including rising graduation rates and narrowing equity gaps. The Board of Trustees also granted Morales the title of professor emeritus, resulting in a unanimous vote and standing ovation during the meeting.

However, the decision has been met with sharp criticism from advocates and legal representatives of the former administrators. Andrew Friedman, the attorney representing Weber and Rogers, called the payout “a real shame,” arguing that CSU has yet to adequately address serious issues of gender discrimination, harassment, and retaliation within the system. Tiffany Jones, president of the California Faculty Association’s San Bernardino chapter, described the move as a “stunning failure of accountability,” stating that university funds should not be used to shield what she characterized as failed leadership, especially amid ongoing financial and staffing challenges.

The transition plan has drawn scrutiny ever since a 2022 investigation revealed a lack of oversight regarding the program’s use, noting that former executives, including those accused of wrongdoing, had received salaries without clear records of the work performed. Following that investigation, CSU temporarily suspended the program pending recommendations from a review task force and limited participation to executives hired before March 2022. Details about subsequent reforms remain unclear.

The 2023 lawsuit also detailed allegations against Zhu, claiming he fostered a hostile environment and that Rogers was compelled to resign after reporting harassment concerns. Following a jury ruling for Rogers awarding $6 million—an amount superseded by the settlement—Rogers left the CSU system. Weber alleged harassment and retaliation, including being pressured to resign and eventually dismissed when refusing to do so. Both women have called for greater transparency and accountability regarding the decision to retain Morales in good standing.

As Morales transitions out of his presidency and into an advisory role, the controversy surrounding his departure highlights ongoing tensions within the CSU system related to workplace culture and the handling of discrimination claims.