Statement Regarding Seattle Times Article

November 2, 2003

Members of the Rutgers Community:

Sunday's Seattle Times contained a story that is deeply painful for my family, for Rutgers and for me. The story, which tells of my inappropriate relationship with an employee who works in the University of Washington administration, is essentially accurate. This terrible lapse in judgment is embarrassing to me and hurtful to my family. My family and I will have to deal in private with the pain and humiliation this has caused.

I also regret the embarrassment these actions may bring upon the Rutgers community. My natural desire to shield those I love from the consequences of my actions led me to compromise my essential belief in the need for open and honest communication. For this I am truly sorry.

As the article states, rumors of this relationship and the University of Washington Regents' knowledge of those rumors played a role in my decision to come to Rutgers. But this was just one factor among several in my decision. Other factors on both sides of the equation included my family's strong connections to the Seattle community, my commitment to the University of Washington, my loyalty to Rutgers, where I grew up and started my career, and my desire to help shape the future of higher education in New Jersey. This was a major decision for me and my family, and I was torn in a number of directions. Ultimately, my desire to return home to lead Rutgers at this exciting time in the university's history was the overriding reason I accepted the position.

We, as a university, have many important issues before us, including budget advocacy, restructuring New Jersey's system of higher education, the pursuit of academic excellence and efforts to improve student services. These are issues on which many of you have invested considerable time and energy. Working collaboratively, we have achieved significant progress in the past year and established a momentum that can carry us forward. I ask for your support as we continue to work together on those issues that matter most to Rutgers.

Sincerely yours,

Richard L. McCormick
President
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

NOTE: On Sunday, November 2, President McCormick and Board of Governors Chair Gene O’Hara held a press briefing on this matter. Their statements can be found at http://www.president.rutgers.edu/briefing1103.shtml