Corps Responses to Inquirer Article

[CrownBariDad]

From Music City's FB page:

In light of recent events within the drum corps community, Music City Drum Corps affirms its commitment to enforce its policy of mutual care and respect for all members. We are dedicated and committed to fostering an environment in which each member has value, in which each member is respected, and in which each member is treated with dignity. We will endeavor to provide a safe and educationally appropriate drum corps experience.

It is our intent to strengthen practices that promote the ongoing health, safety, and well-being of every member or prospective member with whom we come in contact. The Music City Drum Corps Board of Directors and Executive Director will continue to examine every aspect of our organization as we assess the integrity and professionalism of our employees, staff, and volunteers.

It is well past time the drum corps community confront harassment and sexual assault at all levels, whether from staff or members. We must stand up in the face of historic context and speak for those who have had no voice. We at Music City Drum Corps have a zero-tolerance policy towards these heinous acts. We will aggressively pursue accusations with due process and involve local and state law enforcement where appropriate. We will stand up with the vast majority of the drum corps community in saying “enough.” There can be no tolerance, no justification, and no reason to turn a blind eye in the face of misconduct and criminality.

We welcome your comments, criticisms, and communication. Please contact us at director@musiccitydrumcorps.org to speak up, and to stand with us.

Kent Baker
Executive Director
Music City Drum Corps
Nashville, TN

 

[N.E. Brigand]

DCA issued a statement yesterday that read, in its entirety:

"DCA has recently learned of the troubling allegations made against a former director of a national drum corps.  In light of these allegations, DCA, will continue to monitor its policies and procedures to ensure the safety of all persons participating  in, or associated with, DCA."

That seems inadequate, given that said "former director" was until last week the head of the parent organization of a DCA-member corps, and the actual director of that corps two or three years ago.

[N.E. Brigand]

On 4/9/2018 at 8:26 AM, Soprano Martin said:

Erie Thunderbirds have posted a response on their pages regarding policies and youth protection.

Yes, here that is: https://www.facebook.com/ErieThunderbirds/posts/1851910331539948

[N.E. Brigand]

Minnesota Brass: https://www.facebook.com/MinnesotaBrass/posts/10156406687422425

[N.E. Brigand]

Genesis shared DCI's announcement on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genesisdbc/posts/10156029536204961

[N.E. Brigand]

Battalion: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2018battalioninterest/permalink/235142043723104/

[N.E. Brigand]

So Cavaliers posted an extensive statement about member and staff safety, including a whistleblower policy, to their webpage on March 23:

https://cavaliers.org/news-blog/cavaliers-focus-on-student-workplace-safety

Good timing, Cavs. But this is the really fascinating part:

"During Drum Corps International's Annual Meeting held in early January 2018, student and performer safety was a prominent topic at the discussion table, with more specific attention paid to preventing sexual harassment and abuse, improving training and reporting mechanisms, and addressing the safe and positive environments in which our students, staff, and volunteers operate.

As a direct result, The Cavaliers’ Board of Directors sent a letter to the Board of Directors of Drum Corps International acknowledging the inclusion of student and performer health, safety, and well-being within DCI’s strategic plan, while also encouraging and asking for further emphasis on the association’s policies, compliance, and training related to safeguarding our students and our people."

 

"Sexual harassment and abuse" was a topic of discussion at DCI's Januals?

[N.E. Brigand]

Academy: https://www.arizonaacademy.org/2018/04/09/the-academy-focuses-on-member-protections/

[N.E. Brigand]

Carolina Crown: https://www.facebook.com/carolinacrown/posts/10156207771637641

That's a message of sympathy to YEA members and not about safety per se, but they also have a harassment reporting form: http://www.carolinacrown.org/index.php/harassment-reporting

[N.E. Brigand]

Colts: http://www.colts.org/2018_229.html

Another lengthy explanation, including, I note:

"In March 2018, our Board of Directors completed revisions of the Personnel Policies for Seasonal Staff, which applies to both paid staff members and volunteers. Specific attention was paid to our Personal Conduct Policy, which includes behavior between members, between members and staff or volunteers, and between staff and volunteers. Definitions, examples, and reporting mechanisms for abuse, bullying, hazing, hostility, or sexual harassment were added to provide a comprehensive list and examples of behaviors the Colts Youth Organization does not condone or support. Violation of any of these policies by anyone associated with the organization may be grounds for dismissal or termination of employment. The updated document can be found here."