NMC Faculty Senate President Frank Sobolewski said McPhetres did not instigate the gathering.
Sobolewski said he attended the meeting of 50 staff, faculty, administrators and community members, and three lawmakers — Saipan Republican Reps. Heinz S. Hofschneider, Diego T. Benavente and Ralph DLG Torres.
The meeting was held outside the campus on the evening of Feb. 13, and none of the regents attended it, Sobolewski said.
He added that the sentiments expressed by those who attended the meeting were valid and the college leadership should look into their concerns.
McPhetres tendered her resignation on March 6, citing the unfounded allegations against her, including the accusation that she instigated the meeting.
In an interview, she denied participating in any meeting with faculty, staff, administrators and community members.
“I was innocent and even shocked by the allegation,” she told Variety.
McPhetres, NMC’s president from 1981 to 1999, said she already consulted her lawyer regarding the false accusations against her.
In her resignation letter, McPhetres told the governor she was “grilled” by some members of the board.
In the meeting with the lawmakers, Sobolewski said he didn’t recall anybody asking for the resignation of Fernandez, but most of the individuals had grievances against the NMC president.
The lawmakers present during the gathering listened to their concerns, he added.
