ROHNERT PARK, Calif. — Sonoma State University President Ming-Tung ‘Mike’ Lee says he's now retiring days after being put on leave for announcing an agreement with pro-Palestinian activists.
”President Ming-Tung ‘Mike’ Lee has informed me of his decision to retire from his role at Sonoma State University. I thank President Lee for his years of service to the California State University—starting at California State University, Sacramento—and to higher education overall. I wish him and his family well.
I will continue to work with Acting President Nathan Evans and our Board of Trustees leadership during this transitional period. Additional information will be forthcoming," wrote CSU Chancellor Mildred García in a statement Thursday.
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Lee announced an agreement Tuesday after meetings with students who set up a campus encampment, one of many that have appeared at colleges to protest Israel's actions in the war with Hamas and to press schools to cut ties with Israel and businesses that support it.
In his original message, Lee endorsed student activism, protest and dissent.
“None of us should be on the sidelines when human beings are subject to mass killing and destruction,” Lee said Tuesday in announcing an Advisory Council of Students for Justice in Palestine was being established at Sonoma State.
Lee said a review of all university foundation investments and vendor contracts was being launched.
“After the review, the Advisory Council of SJP and SSU administrators will meet with proper officials to determine a course of action leading to divestment strategies that include seeking ethical alternatives,” Lee said.
Lee said Sonoma State has no faculty or student exchange agreements in Israel and would not in the future.
Sonoma State “will not pursue or engage in any study abroad programs, faculty exchanges, or other formal collaborations that are sponsored by, or represent, the Israeli state academic and research institutions,” he said.
Lee added engagement with “individual Israeli scholars acting in a personal capacity” would be welcome.
By Wednesday, Chancellor Mildred García said Lee’s message was done “without the appropriate approvals.”
“For now, because of this insubordination and consequences it has brought upon the system, President Lee has been placed on administrative leave,” García said.
By Thursday, Lee informed García of his intent to retire.
WATCH MORE ON ABC10: Sacramento State students in pro-Palestinian encampment declare victory amid policy change
