Former president alleges CCP board chair pressured businesses on behalf of his daughter’s company in recent court documents.
Recent court filings have shed light on accusations involving Harold T. Epps, chair of the Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) board of trustees, alleging that he may have used his position to favor a company led by his daughter and other entities with which he has connections. These claims have emerged amidst a legal dispute between Donald Guy Generals, the college’s former president, and the board of trustees.
The documents, submitted in Philadelphia’s Court of Common Pleas, detail a series of communications, including emails, that suggest Epps may have exerted undue influence over the college’s business dealings. According to Generals, Epps repeatedly pressured him to prioritize contracts with individuals and businesses connected to him, actions which Generals contends contradicted the best interests of the college.
This litigation is rooted in a broader conflict that has recently seen the board place Generals on administrative leave and decide against renewing his contract, which is set to conclude in June. Generals has characterized this action as retaliation for his refusal to comply with Epps’s alleged attempts to manipulate college business.
Among the allegations, Generals highlights a proposal for a partnership with Hire! Philly, a workforce development initiative led by Epps’s daughter, Kathryn Epps Roberson. The discussions regarding the partnership occurred while Epps was a board member but not yet chair, raising further questions about governance and ethical conduct. Generals asserts that the pressures he faced in pursuing this particular contract were indicative of a larger pattern of interference by Epps and other board members.
Epps has countered these claims, with a spokesperson describing them as “patently false” and suggesting that Generals is attempting to defame the board due to unmet demands for a substantial severance package. The spokesperson emphasized that the board’s actions were legitimate and within their rights, likening Generals’s allegations to an attempt to extort funds from a publicly funded institution.
As this situation unfolds, Generals has not only sought reinstatement to his position but also suggested that the board’s actions are undermining the college’s achievements, including enrollment growth and partnerships that enhance its mission. A hearing on this matter is scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, which may further clarify the implications of these allegations on both the individuals involved and the institution itself.
Overall, the unfolding situation at the Community College of Philadelphia has raised critical questions about governance, ethical standards, and the influence of personal relationships within educational institutions. These developments warrant close attention from stakeholders, as the outcomes may significantly impact the college’s operations and its community at large.
