13Investigates has learned Roger Ramsammy, the president at Hudson Valley Community College, requested in writing to be placed on paid administrative leave before the college’s board of trustees special meeting.

The board’s reason for meeting on Wednesday was to vote to place President Ramsammy on a paid leave. Minutes after that hourlong meeting ended, the board said in a statement, “the college takes any report of misconduct very seriously. We have clearly established policies and procedures for handling a claim or allegation in a fair and expeditious manner, which we are following.”

The board of trustees special meeting happened less than 24 hours after 13Investigates was first to report a sexual harassment claim was filed against President Ramsammy. Sources say that claim was made by a school employee, and it was filed with the human resources department.

HVCC has said an independent firm is conducting the investigation.

President Ramsammy’s personal lawyer, Kevin Luibrand, said in an email to 13Investigates, “The allegations compromise his leadership, and he informed the board that he wants to clear his name before resuming his work.”

The HVCC Faculty Association, the union that represents roughly 300 faculty members, wrote a statement:

“We support the Board of Trustees’ decision to place President Ramsammy on administrative leave while he is investigated for claims of sexual harassment. However, we are concerned that the Board did not place the President on leave at the same time as the employee who filed the complaint against him. Any faculty member facing such an allegation would have immediately been placed on leave from the College. This delay allowed President Ramsammy to remain on campus and continue to interact with faculty, staff, and students, including at all three of the College’s commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 11. The union cannot overlook the gravity of this situation and the potential impact it may have had on those involved.

We expect the college’s investigation to be conducted with the utmost diligence and efficiency, ensuring that the truth is revealed, and appropriate actions are taken. It is our sincere hope that the college community can navigate through this challenging time with transparency and integrity.”