The assistant chief of Syracuse University’s Department of Public Safety is on a 30-day suspension after making comments in the workplace that were considered insensitive.

DPS Chief Tony Callisto said in an email on Tuesday that he received an internal complaint regarding Assistant Chief Mike Rathbun. Callisto said after receiving the complaint he initiated an investigation in late January that found Rathbun had made comments in the workplace to other DPS personnel that were ‘insensitive.’

‘Due to our strong commitment to a workplace free from such comments, as well as his rank within the organization, I placed him on a 30-day suspension,’ Callisto said in the email. ‘During this suspension, further assessment of him will be made to ensure that congruency with our goal of supporting an environment in which diverse social, cultural, and academic values are free to develop and prosper exists.’

The suspension occurred late last week, Callisto said. Given the matter relates to personnel there was limited detail Callisto said he could provide.

Rathbun has previously served as a captain in the Syracuse Police Department. He could not be reached for comment.

dkmcbrid@syr.edu