Sep-14-96 02:36P

Winston A. Burrows

July 4, 1996

Dear

After 17 1/2 years of service at York College | decided to resign effective June 30,
1996. I did so because / could not let myself become a party to the illegal scheme put
forth by City University Director of Public Safety Jose Eliqgue and his Deputy Martin
Rodini. At our November/95 security directors meeting they announced a plan
designed to deny students and others their constitution right of free speech.

Ple se take the few minutes required to read my letter of resignation to Chancellor W.
Ann Reynolds in which | explain my reason for leaving. It is also my hope that after
reading it you will use the resources of your office to prevent them from
accomplishing their goal.

Sincerely yours,

Winston A. Burrows

WAB:lw

~o2


2ep-14-96 02:40P P.10

YORK COLLEGE

The City University of New York ‘
Jamaica, New York 11451

718 262-2218

Campus Security Department
Room 1M02

June 30, 1996

Chancellor W. A. Reynolds .
City University of New York
535 East 80th Street

New York, New York 10021

Resienati
Dear Chancellor Reynolds;

This is to inform you that I have submitted my resignation as Director of Security at York
College to Acting President Marcia V. Keizs - effective midnight June 30, 1996.

The attached memorandum list my reason for leaving after seventeen (17 1/2; years service.
I am also forwarding a copy of my resignation to persons listed below.

Respectfully,

Winston A. Burrows
Director of Campus Security

ce: _ Dr. Thomas Minter
James Lawrence
Congressman Floyd H. Flake
State Senator Alton R. Waldon Jr.
State Senator Ada Smith

ad State Assemblyman William Scarborough
State Assemblyman Gregory W. Meeks
State Assemblywoman Vivian E. Cook


sep-14-

986 02:358P

MEMORANDUM

I have been employed at York College since January 1, 1979 (almost 17 I/2yrs) - serving first *

as Assistant Director of Security, and then Director of Security. I also served CUNY as
Queens Borough Coordinator for almost three years from February 93 thru November 95.
Although I feel that I still have much to offer both York College and CUNY I have decided
to leave. My reason for leaving is my dissatisfaction with the leadership of Jose Eligue, your
choice for CUNY Public Safety Director as well as his Deputy Martin Rodini. Since his arrival
Jose Eligue has never displayed qualities ] felt necessary for such an important position. His
dictatorial, abrasive, confrontational style, and use of profanity at directors meetings - where
he often used f--k, and f--king in the presence of females | found offensive and very
unprofessional. It demonstrated a lack of moral and ethical character I felt the person holding
the position of Director of University Public Safety should possess.

I decided to leave CUNY after attending the security directors meeting in November 95. At that
meeting Jose Eligue and Martin Rodini - apparently still upset and smarting because Acting
President Thomas Minter had penmitied Khalid Muhammad to speak at the college on
November 6, 1995. They made the following proposal - which they indicated was intended to
give you and them control of persons who would be permitted to speak on CUNY campuses.
They were working on a proposal that would attach a fee between $5,500.00 to $7,500.00
whenever the SAFE Team was dispatched to a campus (In response to the request of a college
President). That to me was censorship, a violation of the constitution of the U.S., and ran
contrary to everything | believe in - justice, honesty, and fairness. While at that meeting 1
came to the conclusion that although, ] may sometimes disagree with students ] will never let
myself be a part of any such evil and illegal action as was proposed by Jose Elique and Martin
Rodini, and I have not attended any directors meetings since then.

The events that led up to Dr. Minter granting Mr. Muhammad permission to speak at York
College is well documented - via communications and conversations between Dr. Minter and
you. However, ] am restating thern here to inform persons who will be receiving a copy of my
resignation letter, and who may not be familiar with them, A flyer announcing Black
Solidarity Day was brought to the attention of Dr. Minter listing Khalid Muhammad as one
of the scheduled speakers. After becoming aware of proposed activities for Black Solidarity
Day Dr. Minter met with me and other college staff members to discuss the matter. Extensive
discussions took place -Whether students had submitted required documents and the matter of
safety of speakers and persons who would be attending activities. Dr. Minter decided to permit
Black Solidarity Day Activities to proceed, and informed the group that he would call your
office and let you know of his decision. After speaking with you on the phone he told the
group that you were very upset because Mr. Muhammad would be allowed to speak at the
college. He stated that you gave him instructions to "keep him off campus," and insisted that
you find a reason to do so. Your closing remarks to him were “remember what happened to
the President at Keane College when he went against the wishes of his chancellor." Dr. Minter
then informed the group that he was reversing his decision and would not permit Black
Solidarity Day activities to take place. He announced that he would request the SAFE Team

be activated, to insure Mr. Muhammad would not be permitted onto York College on Monday,

-o8s


Sep-14-96 02:38P

November 6, 1995. Only students, staff, and faculty would be permitted onto the campus
with valid 1D Cards), A meeting took place at York College on Friday, November 3,

1995 - Present were Dr. Minter, Jose Eligue, Martin Rodini, and myself, at which time the
following agreement was outlined:

£ sl SAFE Team would be assigned to York College on Monday, November 6, 1995 and
would arrive at 5:00AM.

2. 1 would conduct a sweep of all buildings prior to the arrival
of the SAFE Team, The sweep would begin 12 midnight Sunday -
using college security officers, and should be completed prior
to the arrival of the SAFE Team.

3. On Friday signs would be posted at all entrances informing
members of the college that 1D cards would be checked at
outer perimeter gates on Monday. No visitors would be per-
mitted onto campus.

4. I was to assign one (1) sergeant (from York College) to each
gate (Academic Core) to assist SAFE Team members in identifying
persons without ID cards. Each sergeant would have a roster
containing names of students to assist in the process,

S5 Either myself or my assistant William Joseph would be present
at the main gate on Guy R. Brewer Boulevard.

6. I would contact the 103rd precinct commanding officer
(Deputy Inspector F, Britton), and informed him about activities
for Monday.

Acting President Thomas Minter informed you that all of the above items were complied with
except #3. Signs placed throughout the campus on Friday were removed, but not replaced.
However, he did inform you that the electronic message board located in the atrium did
contain the message.

Although the Administration at York College did adhere to the agreement, the same

cannot be said for Jose Elique and Martin Rodini. If they had no SAFE Team member would
have brought a weapon to the campus on Monday 11/06/95. On Friday, 11/03/95 (at our
meeting) Dr. Minter informed both Jose Elique and Martin Rodini that he did got want any
SAFE team member to bring their weapon onto the campus on Monday 11/06/95. As they were
leaving the building, I heard Jose Elique comment to Martin Rodini that "He is in for a
surprise, and he better get used to guns on campus." The rest is history, two safe team
members did bring weapons with them on Monday, 11/06/95.


Sep-14-96 02:37P

For obvious reasons, I will not attempt to list all events that took place on Monday, November
6th - listing only those that will enable readers to get a feel of what occurred during the day.

i SAFE Team arrived just prior to SAM, and officers given their
assignments - main gate on Guy R. Brewer Boulevard.

2. 1 arrived at approximately 4:45AM, my assistant William Joseph
approximately five minutes after me. Jose Eligue and Martin
Rodini arrived shortly after our arrival. We informed them
that the sweep of the building had taken place, the commanding
officers of 103rd precinct had been notified, and additional
officers had been assigned (all days off had been canceled).
Myself and Williams Joseph conducted roll call of officers at
7:00AM, and he went to Guy Boulevard (main gate). I conferred
with Dr. Minter (in his office) and informed him about conditions.

3. At approximately 7:15AM students began arriving - those involved
in the planned activities remained at the gate (inside on campus
grounds), chanted slogans denouncing actions of President
Minter, Vice President Ronald Brown, and the presence of the
SAFE Team,

4. One student was arrested when he failed to show his ID card,
blocked the entrance, and attempted to push his way past
SAFE Team officers.

5. Students assembled at the main gate became very upset when they
learned - on instructions from Jose Elique and Martin Rodini
that the person arrested would not be given DAT (Desk Appearance
Ticket), and would be required to go through the system -

a much longer process.

6. Students went to President Minter’s office to protest the action.
I was present, and fortunately for everyone, so were State
Assemblyman William Scarborough, and Councilman Thomas White.
It took all that we could do to keep things under control.

7. Later that afternoon a sizeable number of students marched off
campus (followed by NYCPD who had been assembled), They marched
around the campus, and when they returned to the main gate
(Guy Brewer Boulevard) their numbers had increased significantly,
and Khalid Muhammad was with the group. Dr. Minter met with
Mr. Muhammad and another person from the group. After several
tense minutes of conversation - crowd increasing in numbers
(non-students and onlookers) Dr. Minter made the decision to

3


Sep-14-96 02:37P P.O5

permit activities to take place. He stated to you, and the

York College community that he did so because he felt to do
otherwise would have risked students and police becoming in-
volved in a confrontation which probably would have resulted
in injuries and/or other more serious consequences.

&. Mr. Muhammad entered the college and spoke for approximately
one (1) hour and left the campus without incident.

The next day Jose Elique and Martin Rodini informed me that 1 was being relieved of my
duties as Queens Borough Coordinator - the post | held since 1993. The reason they gave for
removing me had nothing to do with my performance as Borough Coordinator. Their
statement to me was "You are not a team member, and you did not get involved as Timothy
Hubbard did." His reference was to City College Security Director and Manhattan Borough
Coordinator Timothy Hubbard who arrested a student who grabbed him by his collar during
a demonstration that took place at City College. Apparently Jose Eligue and Martin Rodini
wanted a confrontation to take place.

When I assumed the position of Borough Coordinator in 1993, 1 took my assignment serious,
and fulfilled all tasks assigned to me until the day I was relieved of my duties:

Y & I conducted regular visits to colleges within my borough
(Queens, Queensborough, LaGuardia, and Law School). I even
made visits to Queens College, Queensborough College, and
LaGuardia) when you visited those campuses on various
occasions.

2. * I made contacts on a daily basis with directors within my
borough - exchanging information.

3. Distributed PSTN training tapes and other materials, As you
must know, training is an important component needed to maintain an
efficient security operation. Because of my efforts York College
officers are among best trained - the only officers who have
completed course requirements and received certificates from
PSTN.

4. 1 coordinated physical agility test for Level I security officers
held at Queens College, In addition, ] did what none of the other
Borough Coordinators were doing - neither Timothy Hubbard
(Manhattan), William Kochen (Brooklyn/Staten Island) or
Luis A. Vega (Bronx), I conducted monthly meetings with
directors within my borough. It is obvious to me that the
action of Jose Eligue and Martin Rodini in relieving me of
my duties had nothing to do with my performance as Borough

4


Sep-14-96 02:36P

Coordinator. 1 am convinced that it was a reaction to their
displeasure that Dr. Minter permitted Mr. Muhammad to speak
af the college. It is my opinion that a decision was made

for you as Chancellor take care Acting President Thomas
Minter - who abruptly resigned in January 96 and for

Jose Eligue and Martin Rodini to deal with me. Jose Elique
attempted to do just that in his memorandum to Dr. Minter
immediately following Solidarity Day. He suggested that

Dr. Minter remove me as Director of Security at York College
- where I had been for over 17 years. What happened in one
day to cause Jose Elique to change his opinion about me?

I can only conclude that you, Jose Elique, and Martin Rodini
was upset that Khalid Muhammad was permitted to speak at the
college, and decided to punish Dr. Minter and myself.

When I assumed duties as Queens Borough Coordinator Jose Elique informed Vice President

for Administrative Affairs Richard Dunfee and me that I would be compensated for my
services as Borough Coordinator. I received $2,500.00 for my services in 1993 and $2,000.00
1994. However, when Jose Elique and Martin Rodini relieved me of my duties on November
7, 1995 they stated to me, AND IN HIS MEMORANDUM TO YOU they had no intention of
compensating me for my services as Borough Coordinator for the year 1995. This decision was
made even though I had performed all duties assigned to me for almost eleven months. Since
they sent you a copy of the memorandum indicating their intention to withhold compensation
due me I must assume that you were in agreement with the decision,

Jose Elique and Martin Rodini not satisfied, and probably upset because I have not attended
any security directors meetings since November 1995 decided to conduct a site inspection of
York College. I believe it was an attempt to discredit me and my operation at York College
(where I have been Director for almost 17 1/2 years), Martin Rodini visited the campus twice -
spending between 2 1/2 to 3 hours. He then submitted a report to Jose Elique, and copied
Deputy Chancellor Lawrence Mucciola. Martin Rodini report clearly demonstrated to me how
morally bankrupt both he and Jose Eligue are - His report lacked accuracy, honesty, and
integrity. A copy of my rebuttal was submitted to Acting President Marcia V. Keizs, and can
be obtained from her. 1 am convinced that Martin Rodini used statements from two (2)
sergeants as the basis for his report. Sgt. Glen Crutch, who I recommended be terminated
after six months at the college. However, Jose Elique with the help of University Personnel
Director Sam Phillips had Sgt. Crutch transferred to Hunter College. | believe his other source
was Sergeant John Lilley. He has been assigned to the college for approximately three years.
He has never been comfortable working at York College - lives in Staten Island, and does not
like the commute, Since his arrival, Sgt. Lilley has received poor evaluations, and has had
several complaints lodged against him - most recently on April 30, 1996 by a staff member for
abusive and insensitive behavior and on May 16, 1996 by another staff member alleging he
used an ethnic slur when referring to a Haitian student.


Sep-14-96 02:36P
Nid P.o3

Since we have never met, and probably never will (unless in court at a later date), 1 am taking
this opportunity to inform you about myself. | am not about defending or upholding the cause
of any group or individual. I attempt to do what is right at all times. 1 consider myself to be
a fair and honorable person - a believer in christian principals and teachings. 1 am a member
of, and attend on a regular basis the Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church, located in
Jamaica Queens. The pastor is Dr. Floyd H, Flake, who also represents me in the United
States Congress. I have lived in Jamaica Queens for thirty-four years. | am an honorably
discharged veteran - United States Marine Corps. | have been married for 44 1/2 years, father
of three fine men, and grandfather of four lovely grandchildren. 1 am indeed grateful to have
had the opportunity to serve the college community at York College for the past 17 1/2 years.
However, I must leave, to remain would require me to work with Jose Elique and Manin
Rodini two of the most unprofessional, and morally bankrupt persons I have met in my 22 1/2
years with NYCPD and 17 1/2 years at York College.

My final comments to you Chancellor Reynolds, is that with the fiscal problems facing the
university resulting in reduction of student services, retrenchment, and loss of jobs by tenured
Saculty members you established the position of Lieutenant (REQUIRING ONLY A GENERAL
EDUCATION DIPLOMA) with the top salary of $82,000.00 - more than a tenured professor
with a Ph.d. earns. You also gave Jose Elique and Martin Rodini a rather large bonus as a
reward for C.U.N.Y, obtaining the 1.3 million dollar award from the Justice Department -
for the COPS Program. Unfortunately, the money went to the wrong persons. The bonus
should have been given to the Security Director at Queensborough Community College, Mr.
Joseph Cunningham. It was through his efforts - not Jose Elique and Martin Rodini that
CUNY was able to obtain the award,

I made my decision to leave CUNY at the security directors meeting in November/95 after
listening to Jose Eligue and Martin Rodini outline their proposal to keep persons off CUNY
campuses who held views unpopular to theirs and yours, I delayed submitting my letter of
resignation until now to make certain that they carried out their threat to withhold
compensation for my services as Queens Borough Coordinator.

Zam certain that if you were able to find funds for the above mentioned - establishment
lieutenant title, and bonus to Jose Elique and Martin Rodini, you can find the $2,000.00 to
compensate me for my services as Queens Borough Coordinator. If you elect not to, 1 am fully
prepared to take the matter to court to have it resolved.