Dear Spartan community,

Summer is a time of rest and rejuvenation for many and yet it is also a busy summer for the university, and a very productive preparatory period for the next academic year.  It is important that we remain informed about the developments of several important reports and related activities that will take place over the next few weeks.

• NAGPRA and CalNAGPRA State Auditor Report: The federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), sets expectations for the respectful and dignified handling and return of Native American human remains and cultural and sacred objects to descendants of federally recognized tribes. In June 2022, the State Auditor announced it would review practices across CSU with a focus on four campuses, including SJSU. Findings are expected to be released by month’s end. We continue working with Tribal descendants to fulfill our obligations under NAGPRA and CalNAGPRA (which extends to non-federally recognized tribes). We are committed to honoring and respecting the first inhabitants of this land. 
• Cozen O’Connor CSU Title IX Review: The Cozen O'Connor law firm, recognized nationwide for work related to Title IX, has conducted a systemwide assessment of Title IX and Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation (DHR) programs. That assessment was completed and shared with the CSU Board of Trustees in May. The Chancellor’s statement on the assessment can be found here. Next is the public release of the report and the bulk of the report is expected to focus on systemwide activities and actions, although Cozen will also produce campus-specific reports, including one for San José State. Those recommendations will be provided directly to me and I will engage with campus stakeholders to incorporate them into the work that’s already happening. We expect the campus specific reports to become public and we will share it on our FYI page.
• State Auditor Title IX Report: The legislature asked the State Auditor to conduct a review of CSU policies and practices related to the administration of Title IX and Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation (DHR) programs, with a focus on several campuses, including SJSU. We expect that report to be released in mid-July. We have shared with the State Auditor’s team our practices and ongoing improvements to Title IX services. Our Interim Title IX and Gender Equity Officer, Peter Lim communicated those positive steps forward in a recent communication to the university.
• Federal Trial Update: The federal trial of a former SJSU athletic trainer is expected to begin in July. We anticipate testimony that will likely be painful and difficult to digest. We hope that the legal process and eventual outcome will bring some measure of healing to those who were harmed.

The combination of upcoming reports and the trial will once again bring a spotlight on SJSU. The information in the reports reminds us of the importance of a continued commitment to improvement and internal capacity building. 

The President’s Cabinet is committed to a continual focus on meaningful steps to shape our culture and improve our work and in these areas. I am confident in our ability to serve students and our open-minded approach to learning and adapting to best serve our campus community. 

Thank you,

Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson
President
(She/Her/Ella)