Ming-Tung “Mike” Lee, the head of Sonoma State University in California, tendered his resignation on Friday, a day after California State University (CSU) authorities placed him on leave for “unilaterally” declaring the campus's disconnection from academic and financial ties with Israel.
CSU Chancellor Mildred Garcia stated, “has informed me of his decision to retire”, following her characterization of Lee’s move as "insubordination" and her appointment of an acting president on Thursday, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Garcia emphasized, “The heart and mission of the CSU is to create an inclusive and welcoming place for everyone we serve, not to marginalize one community over another,” in a statement released on Thursday.
Lee had struck a deal with pro-Palestinian students who had erected tents on the university's grounds. He issued a public apology on Wednesday evening, acknowledging that he acted without the sanction of CSU leaders.
Lee's tenure as president of Sonoma State University lasted less than two years, succeeding his 28-year stint as an administrator and business professor at Sacramento State University.
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