Ten employees at the University at Buffalo have accused the director of financial aid of harassment since he arrived at the school nearly five years ago.
A letter sent to members of the United University Professions union at U.B., obtained by the 7 Eyewitness News I-Team, states that employees have made "specific complaints" to the university's employee relations office against John Gottardy "for behaviors of retaliation, stalking, and acts that intimidate, bully, harass, or cause fear of harm to the employee."
"U.U.P. members who have filed reports have illustrated numerous occasions where U.B.'s Financial Aid Director has stalked them throughout the office, ran after and screamed at another director from a nearby SUNY institution in a parking lot while attending a professional conference, asserted that if employees talk with the union they will be non-renewed (fired), as well as verbally and psychologically abusing employees on a regular basis," the letter states.
The union said complaints about Gottardy have been filed with U.U.P. and brought to the attention of U.B.'s president, provost and vice provost for enrollment management, but no action has been taken.
In a statement to the 7 Eyewitness News I-Team, U.B. spokesperson John DellaContrada said the university is aware of the union's statement regarding the allegations.
"To preserve confidentiality and recognizing that all employees are entitled to due process, the university does not comment on individual personnel matters," DellaContrada said. "The university thoroughly investigates all received concerns of employee conduct and responds as circumstances warrant, to foster a supportive, positive and efficient workplace for all."
Gottardy remains in his position, DellaContrada said.
Gottardy joined U.B. in the fall of 2013 from The Ohio State University, where he served as director of operations in the student financial aid office.
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