California State University system Chancellor Mildred García has accepted the retirement of Sonoma State’s president, who was put on administrative leave for agreeing to the demands of pro-Palestine protesters.
”President Ming-Tung ‘Mike’ Lee has informed me of his decision to retire from his role at Sonoma State University,” said García in a statement on Thursday. “I thank President Lee for his years of service to the California State University.”
On Tuesday, Lee sent a campus-wide message agreeing to meet the demands from students protesting the war in Gaza.
He reportedly agreed to declare an academic boycott on Israeli universities, establish a Palestinian curriculum and review the school’s investments in companies supporting Israel. The agreement was declared a win by pro-Palestine protesters.
García said Wednesday the message was sent “without the appropriate approvals” and that “because of this insubordination and consequences it has brought upon the system” Lee was placed on leave.
Sonoma State, located in Rohnert Park in Sonoma County, is one of the smallest institutions in the Cal State system with under 10,000 students.
Colleges and universities throughout California have faced protests and encampments by students opposing the destruction caused by Israel’s was against the Hamas terrorist group in Gaza. Police have been called to multiple campuses to end the protests, and some of the students involved have been arrested and suspended.