Dear OSU Community Members,
Today, I removed Sherman Bloomer from his role as Chancellor and Dean of OSU-Cascades as a result of new information gathered through an investigation led by OSU’s Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. That investigation, which is being conducted by an outside team and which began after a complaint to OSU’s Office of Audit Risk and Compliance on March 18, will continue. During such investigations, the university generally avoids commenting publicly to protect the integrity of the process and the privacy of impacted individuals.
OSU employees are accountable for upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and complying with all applicable laws, regulations and policies. The university strongly encourages all reports of suspected wrongdoing, violations of university policy, or breaches of ethical conduct.
OSU’s Integrity and Accountability Hotline provides confidential and anonymous telephone and online systems for reporting suspected violations of law or university policy. Most OSU employees are also considered “Responsible Employees” and, except when exempted by the policy, have an obligation to report when they become aware of or have reason to believe that a violation of the university’s Sexual Misconduct and Discrimination, Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment, or Retaliation policies may have occurred.
It is against Oregon State policy for anyone associated with OSU to retaliate against those who report suspected wrongdoing in good faith.
I ask for patience as investigators continue to work deliberately and expeditiously according to university policies. To preserve accuracy, thoroughness, and due process, investigations take time and typically include conducting interviews with relevant parties and witnesses and collecting available relevant evidence. The outcomes of such investigations may remain confidential due to privacy laws and concerns.
In addition to reporting options, OSU offers resources and support services to impacted students and employees. These include a broad range of student resources for emotional health and well-being. OSU employees and their dependents can access confidential mental health and well-being support through Lyra Mental Health Benefits. Lyra’s Care Navigator Team is available 24/7 via phone or live chat.
I am grateful to Dr. Becky Johnson who will continue to serve in an interim capacity as Chancellor and Dean of OSU-Cascades through this transition and to the excellent team at OSU-Cascades who continue to lead OSU’s mission in Central Oregon.
Sincerely,
Roy Haggerty
Provost and Executive Vice President