The Board of Education at Lane Community College in Oregon has formally apologized to President Stephanie Bulger for disrespectful treatment based on her race and gender. The public apology follows an independent investigation that found board members engaged in dismissive and biased behavior toward Bulger, who is a Black woman.
Key Takeaways
- The Lane Community College board publicly apologized to President Stephanie Bulger for behavior an investigation linked to racial and gender bias.
- An August report detailed instances where board members, including a former chair, were hostile or dismissive toward President Bulger.
- The report found that questions were often redirected from Bulger to her male colleagues during public meetings.
- The board has committed to undergoing training on bias, discrimination, and harassment to address the issues raised.
Board Issues Formal Apology in Public Meeting
During its meeting on Tuesday, the Lane Community College (LCC) Board of Education addressed the findings of a recent investigative report by issuing a direct apology to the college's president, Dr. Stephanie Bulger. The board acknowledged that its members' conduct created a harmful environment and undermined her leadership.
Current board chair Austin Fölnagy, who was also named in the report for dismissive behavior, read the formal statement. The apology is a direct consequence of an investigation concluded in August, which substantiated claims of improper conduct by board members.
"The board recognizes and is accountable for the harm caused to you, President Bulger," Fölnagy stated during the meeting. "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."
The statement marks a significant moment for the college, as the governing body publicly admitted to its failings and their impact on the institution's top leader. Dr. Bulger has served as president of the Oregon-based community college since July 2022.
Investigation Uncovers Biased Treatment
The board's apology stems from a comprehensive investigative report released in August. The report was commissioned to look into the dynamics between the board and the president. Its findings painted a clear picture of a difficult working relationship marked by disrespect and bias.
Investigators determined that several board members frequently treated President Bulger in a dismissive manner. A recurring issue identified was the practice of board members posing questions to President Bulger, only to then defer to her male staff members for answers, effectively bypassing her authority.
This pattern of behavior was identified as being rooted in racial and gender bias, specifically targeting President Bulger as a Black woman in a leadership position.
Timeline of Key Events
- July 2022: Dr. Stephanie Bulger begins her tenure as President of Lane Community College.
- August 2023: An independent investigative report is released, detailing biased behavior from the board.
- September 2023: Former board chair Zach Mulholland is formally censured by the board for his conduct.
- October 2023: The full Board of Education issues a public apology to President Bulger.
Focus on Former Chair's Conduct
A significant portion of the investigative report focused on the actions of former board chair Zach Mulholland. The investigation found that Mulholland was often hostile in his interactions with President Bulger. The report cited multiple instances where he would interrupt her or cut her off while she was speaking during official meetings.
Beyond his interactions with the president, the report also found that Mulholland had physically intimidated a student during a separate board meeting, raising further concerns about his conduct as a public official.
Following the report's release, the board took action last month to formally censure Mulholland for his behavior. A censure is a formal statement of disapproval. Despite this official reprimand and widespread calls from the community for his resignation, Mulholland has so far refused to step down from his position on the board.
Commitment to Remedial Action and Training
In addition to the apology, the board has pledged to take concrete steps to prevent future misconduct and improve its governance. Chair Austin Fölnagy emphasized the board's dedication to rectifying its shortcomings.
"We are committed to learning from our shortcomings," Fölnagy said. He announced that the board would undertake a series of remedial actions during the current fiscal year to address the deep-seated issues identified in the report.
The primary corrective measure will be mandatory training for all board members. This training will cover critical topics such as bias, discrimination, and harassment, designed to equip board members with the awareness and tools needed to foster a respectful and professional environment.
The goal of these actions is to rebuild trust with President Bulger, the college staff, and the wider community. The effectiveness of this training and the board's ability to change its culture will be closely watched by students, faculty, and the public. The situation at Lane Community College highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing systemic bias within the governance structures of public educational institutions.
