Central State president’s accusers ‘wholeheartedly disagree’ with probe’s finding

WILBERFORCE, Ohio — The attorney for five women who have accused Central State University President Dr. Jack Thomas of creating a “toxic work culture,” said they “wholeheartedly disagree” with an outside investigator who this week found no evidence of discrimination, harassment or violations of university policies.

“We are disappointed in the investigation and question its integrity,” attorney David Duwel said in a statement sent to News Center 7 on Thursday afternoon.

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“We hope the Board of Trustees’ will not renew Jack Thomas’ contract which ends on June 30, 2023, as he will continue to disrespect, bully and demean those he views as “strong” or intimidating to him, Duwel said in the statement.

The investigative report, in its summary of the findings, said, “President Thomas’ leadership style as it relates to the complainants may be characterized as rude, belittling and bullying, but does not rise to the level of harassment.”

News Center 7 first reported on the allegations in December, when Reporter Brandon Lewis obtained a letter of complaint sent to the university in response to a public records request he filed on behalf of WHIO-TV.

The five women, in the letter, asked to work with the CSU Board of Trustees “to resolve and address the negative working condition for current and future female employees.”

The group includes current and former CSU employees.

“We feel betrayed by the institution we love, and the Board of Trustees appointed to ensure the leadership of the institution is beyond reproach,” attorney Duwel said in Thursday’s statement. “Dr. Thomas is a seasoned president with three degrees in English and 30-plus years of experience in higher education. If he still requires communication training and coaching, he should not be the President of any higher education institution.”