Suspended Sonoma State University president decides to retire – NBC Bay Area

A day after Sonoma State University President Mike Lee was placed on leave over a controversial message involving pro-Palestinian protesters, he has decided to resign from his position, according to the chancellor of California State University.

Chancellor Mildred Garcia released a statement late Thursday that said, in part: “President Ming-Tung ‘Mike’ Lee has informed me of his decision to retire from his role at Sonoma State University.”

Lee was placed on leave Wednesday for “insubordination” after he sent a campus-wide message expressing agreement with pro-Palestinian protesters. Garcia said he sent the message without proper authorization.

Garcia said she intends to continue working with Acting President Nathan Evans and the university’s board of directors during the transition.

Garcia’s full statement follows:

“President Ming-Tung ‘Mike’ Lee has informed me of his decision to retire from his position at Sonoma State University. “I thank President Lee for his years of service to California State University, beginning with California State University, Sacramento, and…” Overall, I wish him and his family well.

“I will continue to work with Acting President Nathan Evans and the leadership of our Board of Trustees during this transition period. More information will follow shortly.”