Embattled SUNY Chancellor Malatras announces resignation

WNYT Staff

SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras is the latest to do go down in the continuing scandal surrounding former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Due to mounting pressure and continued calls for his resignation, Malatras delivered exactly that Thursday morning, informing the SUNY Board of Trustees that his last day will be January 14.

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As NewsChannel 13 reported, Malatras – a long time Cuomo loyalist and advisor, came under scrutiny after the release of text messages showing he mocked Lindsey Boylan. She was the first woman to publicly accuse the former governor of sexual harassment.

A line from Malatras’ resignation letter sounds as if it could have been lifted from former Gov, Andrew Cuomo’s resignation address.

"The recent events surrounding me over the past week have become a distraction over the important work that needs to be accomplished."

Jim Malatras appears as a guest on NewsChannel 13 on March 7, 2020 when he was president of SUNY Empire State College.[File / WNYT]

The letter also went on to highlight what he felt his accomplishments were over the last 16 months, but it ultimately advised the SUNY Board of Trustees his last day would be January 14.

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The board of trustees called a special meeting Thursday, held virtually – no doubt in light of the chancellor’s resignation.

The board was among the few to publicly support Malatras amid the growing chorus of calls for his resignation, after evidence surfaced of him mocking Cuomo accusers.

Sixteen of the 18 members were online for the meeting. When given the opportunity to speak, only two did so: Chairman Merryl Tisch, and Vice Chair Cesar Perales. Both had been appointed to their posts by Cuomo.

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Hear what they had to say, and learn about the unusual way Malatras was selected as chancellor 16 months ago, by watching the video of Jerry Gretzinger’s story.

Click here to read Malatras’ full resignation letter.