The news that Dean and Director of the Library, Patricia Larsen was asked to resign doesn?t come as that big of a surprise, particularly to the staff of the Library?and some members of the community?who have sought her ouster for months over differences of opinion about how the CSUS Library (and special collections) should be run. What did come as a surprise was that Larsen was so unceremoniously bounced from her well-paying administrative job for making an unflattering reference to Japanese-Americans while giving a public speech. Was Larsen a bigot who needed to be fired? That?s doubtful, although her choice of words at the speech was definitely questionable and certainly offensive to many.What is clear, however, is that Larsen?s differences of opinion with her library staff were well-documented, and President Donald R. Gerth is apparently more interested in the opinions of those outside the University than his own staff. Larsen ties Lt. Governor Cruz Bustamante this month for the “foot-in-the-mouth” award, but at least the Lt. Governor has a boss with a little more backbone than Larsen?s.

Ever since taking the position of Dean in August 1997, Larsen has been embroiled in controversy surrounding the Japanese American Archival Collection, and the Sacramento chapter of the Japanese-American Citizens League. Over the past year, numerous letters had been sent to President Gerth complaining about Larsen?s attitude and actions toward the Japanese-American Citizens League. These letters, from Japanese-American Citizens League members and local dignitaries, including former Sacramento Mayor Phil Isenberg, underscored the need for a change in the Library leadership.

The dismally low morale among Library staff and the problems with the Japanese-American Citizens League no doubt contributed to President Gerth?s decision to ask for Larsen?s resignation. However, The State Hornet would like to ask, why wasn?t more done about Larsen?s performance in the past? Instead of reviewing the data and relieving Larsen for poor job performance, Gerth seemingly waited until she made a comment that was racially insensitive to take action.

Larsen may have lost her job, and some dignity, but she isn?t exactly looking for a shopping cart to live in. She is currently on paid administrative leave from her $121,476 a year job while she waits for Provost Bernice Bass de Martinez to give her some other work to do around the University. When she returns, her pay will be cut, but she will still be eligible for her pension?the reason she will remain on campus and not retire.

In the meantime, The State Hornet suggests that if Bass de Martinez is still shopping for a job for Larsen, that she be kept close to her former digs at the Library?assign her to the Multi-Cultural Center for a while.