Student leaders are asking the SUNY Board of Trustees to strip former State University of New York Chancellor James Malatras’ of his severance package.
The University at Albany Student Senate approved a resolution on Wednesday, February 2 calling for Malatras to be stripped of his severance package and the money to be re-invested in the SUNY system, according to Albany Times-Union.
The document claims Malatras “did not resign for ‘a good reason’ as described in typical labor terms for severance packages,” and that he “actively worked against student interests multiple times in his term.”
Malatras, who stepped down from his position on January 14, is set to receive $450,000 for one year of paid leave, followed by a tenured faculty appointment at Empire State College with a starting annual salary of $186,600 per the separation agreement.
His association with former Governor Andrew Cuomo and reports of past behavior are what ultimately lead to Malatras resigning on December 9, 2021.
It is unlikely SUNY officials will revisit the settlement despite the calls from students.
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