WASHINGTON–The CEO of Georgetown University Alumni and Student Federal Credit Union has been suspended amid allegations of what’s been described as a “toxic work environment” and “instances inappropriate touching in social settings.”
Kuran Malhotra was suspended from his position with the credit union and also placed on leave from his position as CFO of the Hilltop Microfinance Initiative, according to an email obtained by The Hoya, the university’s student publication.
“Three former HMFI staffers and a current high-ranking GUASFCU leader, who all requested anonymity, described Malhotra’s domineering leadership style and outsized detrimental influence on the organizations’ cultures,” the Hoya reported. “Sources described a pattern of inappropriate touching and groping in social situations — characterized by a physical encroachment into personal space that surpassed friendly contact — coupled with inadequate redress of the behavior when concerns were raised to other group leaders.”
The Hoya said Malhotra had not responded to requests for comment, and that it had no evidence that any Title IX complaint related to Malhotra’s behavior had been filed.
The $15.3-million Georgetown University Alumni and Student FCU has approximately 3,300 members.
Two Reprimands
Malhotra has received two reprimands from GUASFCU leadership regarding inappropriate touching, one person with the credit union told The Hoya, the first during his freshman year and the second during his junior spring, just before he was confirmed as CEO of GUASFCU.
“The previous year’s GUASFCU board is responsible for the selection of the new board every year. The 2018-19 board of directors, on which Malhotra served as chief technology officer, was made aware of allegations against Malhotra but still selected him as CEO, the GUASFCU leader said in an interview with The Hoya, according to the publication, which went on to quote a source with the credit union as stating, “The old board votes on who the new CEO is, and he had enablers on that board who looked past those incidents.”
Investigation Underway
GUASFCU is conducting an internal investigation into the allegations against Malhotra, according to an email to The Hoya from the credit union.
“GUASFCU has been informed of allegations against a member of the Hilltop Microfinance Initiative who was also the GUASFCU Chief Executive Officer,” according to an Oct. 6 statement from the GUASFCU board of directors, the Hoya reported. “Given our concern for the interest and welfare of our interns and members, we have made changes to our board of directors and have begun an investigation related to GUASFCU.”
The news outlet further reported, “Within GUASFCU, Malhotra created a culture of fear by using bullying tactics, like privately berating those who confronted or displeased him, according to the GUASFCU leader. Malhotra would occasionally arrange one-on-one meetings with staffers outside of the office, during which he would criticize them at length.”