Former Long Beach City College president Reagan Romali is currently the subject of allegations involving multiple instances of misconduct.
The allegations include claims that Romali verbally abused an employee, made a derogatory comment about an employee regarding his sexuality, and telling staff that she wanted to fire a Black, gay employee but could not because he was in two protected identity classifications.
Additionally, Romali allegedly told staff that a dean under her supervision was “hot” and told staff what clothing to wear, so as not to compete with her own styling choices.
The Petitioner’s Investigation also sustained the allegation that Romali inappropriately used staff for personal errands and tasks, such as food and clothing shopping, having automotive service done, babysitting Romali’s children, and assisting with adoption matters related to her son.
Romali was first hired at LBCC in March 2017, and a year later, her contract was extended through 2022.
In November 2019, the board hired an investigator to look into Romali’s possible misuse of funds and mistreatment of employees.
Romali’s contract was terminated in March following a vote from the Board of Trustees, with no reason given.
Prior to her firing, Romali began to search for other positions at colleges around the country, attempts which were unsuccessful.
Romali applied for a position at Miami-Dade College, becoming a finalist, until suspicions arose regarding her claim that while working at Truman College in Chicago, she united rival gang members, allowing them to attend school together, with the hopes of decreasing violent activity at the college.
Her story could not be verified and was investigated by the Miami Herald, who determined that Romali exaggerated and provided false information.
Board member Sunny Zia is also involved in the claims of misconduct, but she denied all allegations, according to Press Telegram.
There are numerous allegations against Zia, ranging from pushing for a preemptive contract extension for Romali amid an ongoing investigation, to preventing said investigation from moving forward in open session, according to Press Telegram.
Zia and Romali allegedly also made false allegations against Board President Vivian Malauulu and Board Vice President Uduak-Joe Ntuk, claiming that they tried to pressure Romali to terminate or demote an employee for making unfavorable remarks about Ntuk.
Malauulu said that she was unable to comment on matters concerning pending litigation and the school district.
A spokesperson from Long Beach City College said the school “does not comment on pending legal matters.”
Ntuk, Zia, and Trustee Doug Otto were all contacted for a comment, but did not respond.
Los Angeles Mission College, where Romali is currently employed, and also did not respond to a phone call.