News

Humboldt State University announced today that a faculty member accused of soliciting students no longer works on campus but said in the news release that details of the investigation and its outcome are not being made public because it is a personnel matter.

Students who may have been harmed are encouraged to seek out assistance from a variety of campus support services detailed in the press release copied below.

The release states that HSU is “confident that it responded strongly and appropriately, and that it reached a resolution that ensures the safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff.”

The University Police Department has an open investigation into the allegations but is “not able to bring criminal charges at this time” because no formal complaints have been filed with the department, according to the release. Humboldt County District Attorney Maggie Fleming said in an email to the Journal that she has not received any police reports detailing the allegations.

HSU officials announced back in February that the campus had “expanded” an investigation into anonymous allegations that a member of its faculty “may have” solicited students for paid sex.

At the time, the university stated that “the information the University will be able to share about outcomes will vary. Findings and actions involving personnel matters are highly confidential.”

A flier circulating campus then had what appear to be a series of screenshots of texts reportedly from a faculty member to students, asking for massages, kissing and touching in exchange for money, and offering up a campus office for a meeting place.

“Massage is what I prefer most. Kissing and touching is second. Of course there are other options,” one states, with another offering that the individual had a “corner office.”

Read the full HSU release below:

Humboldt State University has concluded an administrative investigation into anonymous allegations of faculty misconduct, in which a faculty member was accused of soliciting students for paid sex.

Upon discovery of the allegation, the University took immediate steps to protect students from harm, and the employee subject to the investigation is no longer employed at Humboldt State.

Because this is a personnel matter, the University is not able to provide details of the investigation or the outcome. However, the University is confident that it responded strongly and appropriately, and that it reached a resolution that ensures the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff.

The University Police Department has also been investigating the incident for any potential criminal violations and charges. Because no formal criminal complaints have been filed, University Police is not able to bring criminal charges at this time.
However, the University Police Department’s investigation remains open.

The University encourages anyone who may have been harmed to seek assistance through the following campus support services. Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) provides a variety of support services. You may make an appointment by calling (707) 826-3236. If you are having a crisis, you may reach a CAPS therapist 24 hours a day at the same number (707) 826-3236.

The Campus Advocate Team (CAT) is an on-campus resource for students, staff, and faculty at HSU. CAT is a program of the North Coast Rape Crisis Team, a private nonprofit organization that has been contracted by HSU to provide specialized services to the HSU community. CAT provides 24-hour, confidential support to any HSU student, staff, or faculty who wants to talk about harm they’ve survived (sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, stalking), or explore their options for support and/or holding accountable the person who harmed them. CAT can be reached at (707) 445-2881, 24 hours a day. On-campus appointments are available.

The Dean of Students Office can help students navigate the steps of any reporting process and provide support and advocacy while navigating a formal complaint, as well as helping students find resources on- and off-campus to best meet their needs. You can reach the office at (707) 826-3504.

Human Resources handles staff employment as well as Title IX matters and can be reached at (707) 826-3626. Academic Personnel Services handles employment and related responsibilities for faculty, and can be reached at (707) 826-5086. The University also requests that anyone with information report it to one of the offices listed below.

The Title IX Office helps students navigate accountability and accommodation for incidents of harm.

The University Police Department, which operates from a trauma-informed perspective, assists with accountability and responds to reports of criminal activity. Title IX Office, David Hickcox at office (707) 826-5177, cell (707) 296-4032, or [email protected]. University Police Department at (707) 826-5555.