Lane Community College Board Apologizes to President

"The board's apology follows the findings of an investigative report released in August that determined board members were frequently dismissive of Bulger-a Black woman-and often deferred questions to male staff members. The report found that former board chair Zach Mulholland was frequently hostile toward Bulger and often cut her off in their interactions. (He was also found to have physically intimidated a student at a board meeting.) Although Mulholland was censured by the board last month, he has resisted calls to step down."

""The board recognizes and is accountable for the harm caused to you, President Bulger," said Austin Fölnagy, the current board chair, who was also accused of dismissive behavior. "We are deeply sorry for the negative impact our behavior has had on you and the college community at large. President Bulger, please accept the board's apology for treating you badly." He added that the board is "committed to learning from our shortcomings" and will take "remedial actions including training in bias, discrimination and harassment" this fiscal year."

An investigative report found Lane Community College board members frequently dismissed President Stephanie Bulger, a Black woman, and often deferred questions to male staff. Former board chair Zach Mulholland was repeatedly hostile, cut her off, and was found to have physically intimidated a student; he was censured but resisted calls to step down. Other board members were implicated for dismissive behavior. The board apologized to President Bulger, acknowledged harm, and committed to remedial actions including bias, discrimination, and harassment training this fiscal year. Bulger has served as president since July 2022.

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