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Investigation of WLEE instructors on leave continues
The Advocate
Three Wilderness and Experiential Leadership (WLEE) program instructors who are on administrative leave are under personnel investigation.
Director of Communications Maggie Huffman said of the instructors on administrative leave, "It's a confidential personnel investigation." She also said the investigation is not open for public discussion.
WLEE instructor Bryan Anaclerio said in an interview Wednesday that Rockwall Manager and WLEE instructor Kim Anaclerio, WLEE part-time instructor Lindsay Montgomery and himself were all placed on administrative leave April 16 and were escorted from campus by public safety. Kim Anaclerio and Montgomery were unavailable for comment.
Anaclerio said, "I was told April 16 that I was being placed on paid administrative leave pending a safety investigation. I was told I had five minutes to gather some of my personal belongings and leave campus before Public Safety escorted me off campus in front of my peers and colleagues."
Concerning the investigation, Anaclerio said he was not told what the specific nature of the investigation was, only that he and the other WLEE instructors were being place on leave pending a safety investigation.
He also said, "We (WLEE instructors) have always preached transparency and respect in our leadership and I feel I haven't received that from administrators at all. That's what makes this situation so difficult for me."
Anaclerio said he has been banned from the Gresham campus since that day and was only allowed back on campus for two interviews conducted May 10, one by Dean of Instruction Rodney Barker and one by Dean of Integrated Media Janet McIntyre.
Asked about Anaclerio's claim he had not been notified of his specific reason for being placed on leave, McIntyre said, "That's not true."
Huffman, when asked why McIntyre and Barker are involved in the investigation, said, "It's customary for multiple individuals from campus to conduct investigative interviews." Asked if administrators and deans have been involved in such interviews in the past, Huffman said, "I'm sure they have. I have only been here a couple years so I'm not entirely sure."
Head public safety officer Wayne Feagle said Wednesday the instructors have not been "criminally trespassed" from the campus. He said the ban from campus was issued by college administrators.
Asked if being banned from campus is a common part of paid administrative leave, Huffman said, "It's unusual."
Asked if the investigation was pertaining to safety issues, Huffman said, "Myself and other administrators can't talk about the confidential matter."
Asked what specific day the leave was issued, Huffman said she needed to check the fact and later responded by email declining to comment.
Anaclerio said the classes taught in the program did receive replacement instructors. He also said a 35-day immersion wilderness trip required by the course included the new instructors.
"I'm incredibly concerned for my students," Anaclerio said. "We have all been planning this trip together all year and now we [Bryan and Kim Anaclerio and Montgomery] are not there to make sure everything is going as planned."
Karen Reynolds, MHCC manager of environmental health and safety, said Wednesday she is unaware of a safety investigations.
Kim Hyatt, dean of Health & Physical Education, Aquatic Center & Athletics, gave no comment when asked about the WLEE program class schedule for spring and fall. Huffman said the Office of Instruction is putting together a plan for fall classes. Huffman said the second-year classes will be offered but she doesn't know if the first-year classes will be scheduled.
Anaclerio said, "I'm super concerned about my program and students. This year alone we have had more than 30 out-of-state students inquire about the program. It's an incredibly unique program that offers people a chance to connect with the outdoors."
The Advocate reserves the right to not publish comments based on their appropriateness.