8 December 2021: Evidence Emerges of Cuomo-Appointed SUNY Chancellor Abusing SUNY Worker

'You're a misery': Malatras berated, insulted SUNY employee in 2017 audio

This report indicates James Malatras has a history of abusive conduct toward State University of New York (SUNY) employees that predates his controversial appointment by Andrew M. Cuomo as SUNY's chancellor as a reward for his service to Cuomo.

State University of New York officials were aware of complaints about Jim Malatras' short temper and allegations that he verbally demeaned subordinates in the years leading up to his 2020 appointment as chancellor of the 64-campus system, materials newly obtained by the Times Union show.

In a 2017 audio recording, Malatras can be heard cursing at and berating an administrative employee at the Rockefeller Institute of Government, referring to her as "lady" until she objects and asks to be called by her name.

“You have a f__ing bad attitude on everything, lady,” Malatras can be heard saying. " ... You're goddamn impossible all the time. ... You drive people crazy!"

"You're a misery," he says later.

The employee, a 22-year-veteran of the Institute who oversaw finances and grant requests, began recording her conversations with Malatras at the suggestion of her United University Professions union representative.

The SUNY chancellor has spent the past week dealing with calls for his resignation or ouster after the release of texts from 2019 in which he demeaned a female former colleague who had publicly complained about a toxic work culture in the Cuomo administration, where Malatras had served as a top official.

The discussion captured in the 55-minute audio file from the Rockefeller Institute ranges from a dispute over tablecloth colors to Malatras' disapproval of the staffer's personality, missed grant opportunities, rumors that she had badmouthed him to colleagues, and her allegedly poor relationship with researchers.

That's the introduction to a much longer story. We recommend clicking through the link to read the whole thing. The report confirms that Malatras' history of toxic and abusive conduct toward co-workers extends beyond his role serving in Andrew M. Cuomo's administration.