Higher education

The board meeting marked the first time leaders from the district responded to an investigative series by KVPR and The Merced FOCUS.

In an email to staff earlier this week, Merced College Dean John Albano responded to a reporting investigation that looked into how the college handled multiple complaints filed against him.

How KVPR and The Merced FOCUS reported "Paper Trails and Transfers."

In late 2024, at least 10 faculty members and employees submitted complaints alleging discrimination by a Merced College dean. Reporting by KVPR and The Merced FOCUS found all of the allegations were ultimately dismissed, but college officials still decided to move the dean to a different department – before he later stepped back into a faculty role. Some complainants say they’ve been the subject of retaliation.

The college’s two ethnic studies professors resigned in late 2024. Though their reasons for leaving are not fully known, just a month before, they were among at least 10 employees who filed complaints against the dean, many of whom alleged workplace intimidation and discrimination.

After a dean at Merced College was transferred to a new school within the campus and later announced a second move into a faculty position, college faculty and employees who lodged complaints against him question whether the move resolves their concerns.

A look back on University of California Merced’s first 20 years.

The lawsuit by a former coach and instructor is part of mounting criticism and pressure against Carole Goldsmith, chancellor of the State Center Community College District.

The investigation started after faculty spoke out at a State Center Community College District board of trustees meeting.

The University of California looked at three sites as finalists for the campus, including two in the Fresno area, before awarding the campus to Merced.