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Detroit Zoological Society Board Votes to Keep Kagan |
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ROYAL OAK, Mich., July 2, 2007 – The Detroit Zoological Society’s Board of Directors has approved the Executive Committee’s recommendation to retain Ron Kagan as Executive Director. The decision comes after an in-depth review of allegations that Kagan misrepresented his doctorate degree from Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel. The review confirmed that although Kagan was a doctoral candidate for five years and completed his coursework, he did not finalize his Ph.D.
The Board’s decision stipulates that Kagan be sanctioned with a formal written reprimand, which will become a part of his employment record. In addition he will be asked to work for 30 days without pay and required to make a public apology, which is to be posted on the Zoo’s website at www.detroitzoo.org.
"While we’re disappointed that Ron misrepresented his doctoral status, we’re conscious of the fact that a Ph.D. is not a requirement of his position nor has the lack of formalization of that degree affected his ability to perform his job," said Detroit Zoological Society Chairman Gail Warden.
"In making our decision, we considered Ron’s outstanding track record, his many accomplishments, and the impact his leaving would have on the Zoo and the community. We recognize that he has been a major force in helping us get to where we are today, and we believe it’s in the best interest of the Zoo and the community to move ahead and focus our efforts on preserving and developing this crown jewel of Metro Detroit."
Kagan was appointed to the Zoo director position in 1992 by then-Detroit Mayor Coleman Young, and was re-appointed by former Mayor Dennis Archer and Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. During his 14-year tenure in Detroit, he has spearheaded dozens of unique and nationally award-winning facilities and programs, including the Wildlife Interpretive Gallery/Butterfly Garden, National Amphibian Conservation Center and Arctic Ring of Life, as well as significant animal welfare and humane education efforts.
THE APOLOGY
I want to sincerely apologize to the Detroit Zoological Society staff, volunteers, members, donors, guests, the community, and all who love and support our Detroit Zoo for my mistake. While an apology won’t correct it, I do want everyone to know that I’m truly sorry.
I’m grateful to our Board for accepting my apology – I offer no excuses – and for inviting me to stay on as Executive Director. I accept the Board’s sanctions with the seriousness with which they’re given, and hope that my performance going forward will reinforce that they made the right decision.
We have a truly great Zoo. Almost 80 years of community hard work and significant public/private investment have brought us to this point. Over those many years our wonderful staff and volunteers have pioneered many innovations, including unique guest experiences, animal habitats, humane education, conservation and animal welfare. We need to keep moving forward and we have plenty of challenges ahead. I’m sorry to have hurt our path, especially since I care so much about this community and Zoo. I hope you’ll forgive me and that you’ll continue to help the Detroit Zoo.
Sincerely,
Ron Kagan
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