The Sacramento Bee reported today that CSUS employee Jeffrey Sharp's complaint against the campus and the president's son has been settled with a payment of $123,000, a vow of silence on both sides, and Sharp's resignation as an employee.
Gonzalez, Jr. left his $84,000 per year position at CSUS after the lawsuit was filed. His employment had earlier been a subject of controversy amidst accusations of nepotism that were chronicled in the State Hornet.
The settlement was reached two years after Sharp filed the lawsuit and seven years after he first complained and sought relief from the campus administration.
A statement released to The Bee said that both sides remained "ready and willing" to proceed through what was expected to be a three week trial. Both sides were spared the costs and risks. The university was spared the potential for public exposure.
The university's attorney told The Bee in 2013 that a "thorough, objective investigation" had failed to substantiate any of the claims.
University complaint procedures do not provide for any type of due process hearing on the findings of an investigation. When the university rejects a complaint (in this case, a complaint against the President's son), there is no hearing of fact. The employee can only appeal on procedural grounds or seek legal remedies.
The university admitted no wrong and is prevented by the settlement from making any claims of vindication.
