CSCU general counsel placed on administrative leave
Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) general counsel Karen Buffkin has been placed on administrative leave amid concerns about her handling of sexual harassment complaints, the Board of Regents announced on Friday.
The move comes as the Board of Regents and CSCU face scrutiny over their handling of sexual harassment complaints against former interim chancellor John Maduko.
In a statement, new Board of Regents chairman Ari Santiago said the goal is to ensure “a thorough, fair, and comprehensive review process.” Santiago took over after Marty Guay, the former chair, announced that he submitted his resignation.
“This includes developing a complete understanding of what occurred, ensuring that all perspectives are heard, and identifying any actions or improvements needed to strengthen our policies, procedures, and reporting mechanisms,” Santiago said.
Four women have come forward with complaints against Maduko. An attorney representing two of the women said her clients were not protected and were instead forced to continue working with him.
Read more CSCU coverage:
“Both clients feel absolutely betrayed by the very institution that was supposed to support them, protect them, empower them,” said Nina T. Pirrotti, a partner at Garrison Levin-Epstein Fitzgerald & Pirrotti. “And instead, they thought that CSCU did anything but.”
Gov. Ned Lamont reiterated that he welcomes an independent review.
“We have a new acting chancellor, a new chairman and my direction to them is very clear: find out what happened, how can we make it less likely to happen again,” Lamont said.
The Board of Regents is close to hiring an outside investigator. Earlier this week, regents selected Natalie Braswell, Lamont’s top lawyer, to serve as interim chancellor. Vice President and CFO Lloyd Blanchard will lead the system until Braswell begins the role next month.
From breaking news and local politics to art exhibitions, live music, high school sports, small businesses, and cultural events, we celebrate the people and places that make Connecticut unique.