GoFundMeThe California State University system has been no stranger to Title IX scandals over the past several years. #MeToo might have created waves starting in 2017, but powerful men in higher education have continued to utilize systems to their advantage with great impunity.

This December journalist Thomas Peele, Pulitzer Prize winning investigative journalist, uncovered a shocking story of workplace violence and harassment that had been going on for years. Mr. Peele detailed the story of a biology professor at California State University, Chico that rocked the campus to its core during the final weeks of the semester. If you haven’t read the original story, it can by found here: https://edsource.org/2022/chico-state-professor-disciplined-for-student-affair-allegedly-threatened-colleagues-who-complained/682154

More and more revelations came to light and subsequently, more people became willing to step up and share the terror they had been living under for the past several years, which had been largely ignored by the University Administration. The professor was placed on a paid administrative leave pending further investigation, but in the meantime, he hasn’t been sitting quietly. Unbelievably, he continues to try and bully people who’ve dared to speak out against him and has filed at least one lawsuit against two women who were whistleblowers in this whole debacle.

For too long, survivors of violence have been silenced over and over by people with power and privilege. The accused professor has been able to utilize what seems like every administrative process to avoid being accountable for his alleged behavior and collegial misconduct. Once again, he is using procedural techniques in an effort to once again silence people he’s harmed. See this article for more information about his current lawsuits: https://edsource.org/updates/chico-state-biology-professor-sues-estranged-wife-colleague-over-their-claims-he-made-gun-threats

This fundraiser is being organized on behalf of the brave people who have spoken up to tell their stories only to be slapped with lawsuits. Currently two people are being sued by the accused professor for defamation, but he has foreshadowed that he would like to involve more people in his ire. Legal representation is expensive. Please help victims of harassment, bullying, and abuse by donating to this fundraiser. Funds collected will ONLY be used to retain a lawyer, pay legal fees and any judgment which might be incurred by plaintiffs in defense of punitive revenge of victims of the accused Professor.

In the event that all funds are not utilized for legal defense, any remaining funds will be donated to Catalyst Domestic Violence Services, the only local agency in Butte County with a sole purpose to address the needs of survivors of domestic violence.To read more about Catalyst, please visit their website: you have any questions about this fundraiser or how you can help, please contact Lindsay Briggs.