State Sen. Dean Florez is going after Fresno State President John Welty for using a public relations consultant to prepare for a Florez-led hearing in July on possible gender discrimination.

"In all of the years that I have been in office, I have never encountered an instance where a public official, yet alone a university president, deemed it appropriate to hire a public relations professional to help them 'tell the truth,' " Florez said in a letter to Welty dated Monday.

The Bee reported last week that Fresno State is paying Ohio consultant John Millen $5,200 in taxpayer money for help and advice provided before the hearing.

Two related events preceded Millen's work for the university.

A Fresno County jury on July 9 awarded $5.85 million to the university's former volleyball coach Lindy Vivas, who had sued Fresno State for gender discrimination.

Shortly after the verdict, Florez announced the hearing to probe for possible gender discrimination in women's athletics at California State University, Fresno and other CSU campuses.

Millen met with Welty and others -- including Chancellor Charles Reed of the California State University system -- at CSU headquarters in Long Beach on July 18, said Fresno State spokesman Mark Aydelotte.

Aydelotte said Millen helped Welty and others organize answers to questions already provided by Florez and to focus on "essentials" for the hearing. Millen also told Welty to respond respectfully to Florez and to engage with the Shafter Democrat at the hearing.

On July 24, Welty and Reed both testified in Sacramento before Florez's committee.

In the letter to Welty, Florez noted that the public relations consultant says he helps individuals and organizations manage their reputations.

But, Florez wrote, Fresno State would do more to improve its reputation by "implementing positive measures" to benefit women's athletics.

He said he wants Fresno State by Thursday to provide details about Millen's advice and fees plus related information.

Aydelotte did not return phone messages Tuesday morning and early afternoon seeking comment.

University spokeswoman Shirley Melikian Armbruster said Tuesday afternoon: "We will be responding to the senator's request."