The California State University system is considering a new role for outgoing Cal State San Bernardino President Tomas Morales, who is eligible for a lucrative executive transition package that could keep him on the university payroll. The proposal comes despite a $12 million settlement paid by the university to resolve claims of sexism, retaliation, and bullying under his leadership.
The CSU Board of Trustees is expected to consider awarding Morales the honorary title of president emeritus. The university has not yet disclosed the specifics of his new position or salary, stating those details will be announced during the upcoming board meeting.
Morales’ current salary and benefits in 2024 totaled $655,626, according to Transparent California. His potential transition package and emeritus title have drawn criticism from faculty leaders, whistleblowers, and the administrators who brought the lawsuit.
Lawsuit Allegations
Former administrators Clare Weber and Anissa Rogers accused Morales and former Palm Desert campus dean Jake Zhu of creating a hostile work environment. The university denied any wrongdoing as part of the settlement. Weber's lawsuit claimed she was fired after raising concerns about a gender pay gap among CSU vice provosts, stating she was asked to resign and terminated when she refused. Rogers alleged that women were routinely subjected to verbal abuse, belittlement, and interruptions, while men were treated with respect. She described her experience as "hell" and stated she was given an ultimatum to leave or be fired.
The lawsuit also alleged that Morales regularly berated and intimidated women, imposing harsher standards on them compared to men. Criticism of Morales’ leadership predates the lawsuit, including a 2016 campus survey indicating that over 60% of employees felt conditions had worsened under his tenure. The faculty senate had previously approved a vote of no confidence, citing bullying, favoritism, and retaliation. Morales had also faced a no-confidence vote as president of the College of Staten Island before his tenure at Cal State San Bernardino.
Jake Zhu, the former Palm Desert campus dean, defended his management style during testimony, stating that he raised his voice to make a point and change tones, not in a malicious or discriminatory manner.
Union and Claimant Concerns
Thomas Corrigan, communications coordinator for the Cal State San Bernardino chapter of the California Faculty Association, stated that the lawsuit raises serious questions about whether Morales should be considered in "good standing" for benefits. Tiffany Jones, president of the local faculty union chapter, expressed that Morales has not been an effective leader and should not be rewarded. Both Weber and Rogers have submitted public comments urging the trustees to scrutinize Morales’ standing before approving any transition package or emeritus title.
Rogers received a $6 million jury award in October 2025, while Weber accepted a separate $6 million settlement before her trial. The total settlement amounted to $12 million.