UCI Chief Accepts Resignation of Librarian in Bias Inquiry

UC Irvine Chancellor Jack W. Peltason said Thursday that he has accepted the resignation of the university’s head librarian but left the door open for him to take another post at UCI or within the University of California system.

“It is with great regret that I accept Calvin Boyer’s resignation as UCI librarian,” Peltason said in a statement.

“He is a fine person whose leadership helped distinguish UCI as a top university,” the chancellor said, “and his vision in planning the new science library will serve this institution for decades to come. I look forward to working with him in the future.”

Boyer’s administration had come under fire in 1989 over allegations of discrimination against minorities and women in hiring and promotions. Criticism from union leaders, plus other incidents involving library employees who mocked Asian and Mideast students, sparked three separate reviews of library operations.

Boyer had written Peltason to ask to be relieved of his library duties, effective in September. On Wednesday, in meetings with library staff members, he had announced his plans to step aside, prompting some to speculate that he was being forced out.

But Peltason emphasized Thursday that Boyer had not been asked to resign, university spokeswoman Linda Granell said in issuing the chancellor’s prepared statement.

Boyer has declined comment on his decision.

Peltason noted that in Boyer’s 11 years as UCI’s head librarian, he guided the library through an intense period of growth, serving not only students and teachers but the public.

“UCI and the community owe him their thanks for the development of this tremendous resource,” the chancellor said.

And in a reference to allegations of bias in library hiring, promotion and retention, Peltason said pointedly that Boyer “was personally committed to UCI’s goal of excellence through diversity, and his efforts have been exemplary.”

UCI officials noted that of the 13 staff librarians hired in the last year, eight are women, two are Asian and one is black.

A national search will be conducted for Boyer’s successor, UCI said.

Boyer, in the meantime, indicated in his letter to Peltason his desire to remain affiliated with UC. Granell said UCI will “be supportive of him in any and all career opportunities he may wish to pursue within or outside the UC system.”