In February of 2005, anonymous “state officials” quoted in the New York Times made public the fact that as president of State University of New York (SUNY) Albany, Karen Hitchcock faced an ethics commission inquiry.
The inquiry was launched as a result of allegations that Hitchcock offered to steer an Albany campus construction project to a developer, who would, in exchange, endow the university with a professorship that Hitchcock would fill.
However, when Hitchcock left her post at SUNY Albany to become principal of Queen’s, the inquiry stopped in accordance with a loophole in New York State law—which has since been closed—that prevented anyone from being investigated by an ethics commission once they ceased to be employed by the state.
This past May, despite attempts by Hitchcock herself to re-open the investigation to clear her name, the case was closed, presumably for good.
During this time, the University spent $25,000 to hire high-profile attorney Robert Fiske to conduct an independent investigation on behalf of the school in order to clear Hitchcock’s name.
Understandably, Hitchcock was likely muzzled by her lawyers. Because the University was using student money in an attempt to clear her name, however, students deserved to know more about the situation.
At the very least, it would have been fair for Hitchcock to send a letter to students when the allegations were put to rest, stating what had been discovered and why the investigations are no longer continuing.
By all s, it appears as if Hitchcock is completely innocent and has been the target of a rather bizarre and tangled smear campaign. So, if she has nothing to hide, why has she been so quiet? Students deserve an explanation.
Hitchcock has expressed a desire for students to know she is innocent, but she hasn’t followed up on the issues to tell her side of the story. The Journal is willing to provide her with the opportunity: Principal Hitchcock, please consider writing an opinion piece to clear your name and let everyone know where things stand. Students would appreciate any comments you have, and the Journal would be more than happy to provide you with the space.
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