greg_orangecounty Posted January 14, 2022 Share Posted January 14, 2022 It’s no surprise that putting 16 to 21-year old’s together in close quarters, as is the nature of Drum Corps, that there are instances of abuse. Add authority figures (instructors) who in many cases are not much older than the marching members and it’s a setup for failure. That’s why this keeps happening. To counteract this “setup” there must be strong measures in place to punish those who harm marching members – including organizations themselves. It should have been in place since 1972. Drum Corps is obviously not willing to do this in any meaningful measure, and they’ve had plenty of time. At some point you must ask is it worth it? I’m in favor of a two-year probation for SoA.........after a one-year ban from all DCI activity this year. That could be a start. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Tuma Posted January 14, 2022 Share Posted January 14, 2022 43 minutes ago, Sutasaurus said: Am I? To clarify…I was referring to the posters here who are calling for the demise of DCI. As for marching members, these are young college age men and women. They are old enough to know and walk away from inappropriate/ inexcusable behavior from staff (stranger danger). If they feel they aren’t being treated properly…leave the situation immediately and seek assistance, legal, if need warrants. But to ride out the season and then months afterward go public…..that’s where I question the accuser. To repeat, I don’t condone the alleged behavior but I do question the reaction here without knowing all the facts…from all sides of the story. To reiterate, the case that came to light involved an out of control rookie talent night that took place on a bus. How does one just “walk away” from a situation like that? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Ream Posted January 14, 2022 Author Share Posted January 14, 2022 3 hours ago, Terri Schehr said: It really didn’t work out because the judge released the guy due to the fact that he had a pregnant wife. But the happy ending is that my dad was teamster and the guy suddenly had two broken legs and he moved. All’s well that ends well. How you Doin'? 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Ream Posted January 14, 2022 Author Share Posted January 14, 2022 2 hours ago, Sutasaurus said: And you’re going to change it???? Really? Harping about it here isn’t doing anything go to DCI directly and demand answers. did i say i could change it? No, you're creating things my fingers didn't type. will i be heard? Oh yes. i've already been contacted by some folks in the activity, worried i'll get louder or not do annual donations. i don't think they liked my answers either. Why? they want us to shut up and keep donating and buying. They don't want people pointing out the flaws. Lots of people are reading here and other places, and seeing their balloon popped everywhere by people ages teenager to senior citizen has them feel battered. awww..well tough ####### ####. The more it gets publicized, by as many people as possible, the more maybe, just maybe...DCI will actually do something. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Ream Posted January 14, 2022 Author Share Posted January 14, 2022 2 hours ago, Sutasaurus said: Then quit DCI. trust me, the only money spent so far was Allentown tickets. I may sell them. but in your apologist posting, you miss the actual point.....probation is lip service. Fine the #### out of a corps that screws up. Withhold tour revenue. Lord knows DCI could afford to have some cash in the corporate reserves, because someday, a lawyers gonna come knocking, and it'll cost a lot more than settling with Tresona did. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimF-LowBari Posted January 14, 2022 Share Posted January 14, 2022 1 hour ago, Sutasaurus said: As for marching members, these are young college age men and women. They are old enough to know and walk away from inappropriate/ inexcusable behavior from staff (stranger danger). If they feel they aren’t being treated properly…leave the situation immediately and seek assistance, legal, if need warrants. But to ride out the season and then months afterward go public…..that’s where I question the accuser. I’ m done with this….. smdh 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Ream Posted January 14, 2022 Author Share Posted January 14, 2022 (edited) 17 hours ago, Sutasaurus said: I respect where you’re coming from Poppycock and I agree that we’re better than this which is why we need to demand more transparency from DCI and it’s member organizations going forward. The spotlight has laser focus on SoA now and will be dealt with if new allegations arise? Isn’t that enough? will it be dealt with? Have you read the young lady from Spirit's timeline of events? McKenzee Grace 4uit6S 1thruon3i10um6sml · Spirit of Atlanta 2021 Police Report Update When I came forward, I wanted to be 100% transparent on the actions and inactions with Spirit of Atlanta. Today, we spoke with the Dora Police Department regarding my assaulter and we have gained more information. I wanted to share with the community so everyone is kept aware and up to speed on what is happening. On July 25, 2021 the individual who assaulted me was removed from Dora High School and from Spirit of Atlanta, but there is no record of an arrest or report made that day. My parents called Dora Police Department and Walker County Sheriff’s Department January 9th, 2022 and we were advised there were no calls to dispatch nor was a report filed on July 25, 2021. We did not look any further, but with the continued statements by Spirit of Atlanta parents and members that Walker County Sheriff’s Department was seen at the school and they “heard” this individual was arrested, it prompted my parents to call again today, January 13th, 2022. The first call went to the detective’s division of Walker County Sheriff’s Department. Per a female detective on duty, they did receive a call but didn’t provide the date the call came in and did mention the person who called was advised to contact the Dora, Alabama Police Department.. The detective advised my parents that we need to speak with Chief Jared Hall with the Dora, Alabama Police Department. The next call we made shortly after was to the Dora Police Department, and my parents spoke with Chief Hall who stated there is a report on file and it was filed by a Spirit of Atlanta attorney October 29th, 2021. We were never made aware by Spirit of Atlanta that they had reported this. Unfortunately without a subpoena by an attorney, Chief Hall can NOT release it to us. In order to provide full transparency to the marching arts community, here’s the full administrative timeline: 8/19/21 Ethics Report sent via email 8/29/21 First email from EquitAbility Consulting 9/23/21 Update from EquitAbility Consulting which stated : “I have completed my interviews and will be submitting a summary report to DCI in the next one to two weeks. After reviewing the report, DCI or I will be in touch with you to follow up.” 10/19/21 Update from Drum Corps International : “Thank you for your inquiry about the status of this matter. We want to assure you that DCI and Spirit of Atlanta leadership are carefully reviewing the investigation report prepared by the investigator in this matter. I expect that the review will take several weeks. When the reviews by DCI and Spirit are concluded, we will provide you with information regarding the findings and outcomes. Thank you again for bringing this matter to our attention and for your patience as we address the important issues that were raised in your complaint.” 10/29/21- Spirit of Atlanta’s attorney filed the police report 12/7/21- Zoom meeting with Spirit of Atlanta 12/8/21- Zoom meeting with Drum Corps International 12/9/21- Email sent to Spirit of Atlanta requesting a copy of all recommendations and police reports. 1/9/22 - Statement of my Spirit of Atlanta 2021 Experience released 1/9/22 - Statement released by Spirit of Atlanta and Drum Corps International I appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as more information comes to the surface. I want to make some major points very clear. The Dora, Alabama Police were NOT involved when the assault was happening, nor through any part of the summer. The Police did NOT remove my assaulter from the premises. The Dora, Alabama Police were not even contacted until 3 months later. The Mandatory Reporters on Spirit of Atlanta staff team failed to follow policy, guidelines, and the law. They took no action when I was being assaulted. “According to Alabama Law, any person who knows or has reasonable cause to believe or suspect that a child has been abused or neglected or who observes any child being subjected to conditions or circumstances that would reasonably result in abuse shall be required to report orally, either by telephone or direct communication immediately, followed by a written report, to DHR, law enforcement, or the District Attorney. Mandatory reporters are: Employees of hospitals/clinics/sanitariums Doctors/physicians/surgeons Medical examiners/coroners Dentists Osteopaths Optometrists, chiropractors, podiatrists, physical therapists, nurses Public and private K-12 employees School teachers and officials Peace officers/law enforcement officials, pharmacists Social Workers and mental health professionals Child care workers or employees Employees of public and private institution” - Alabama Department of Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention (https://ctf.alabama.gov/.../Mandatory-Reporting-Brochure...) . They knew this member was dangerous from previous seasons and still allowed him back. They waited 96 days to go to any kind of law enforcement. It’s still just as unacceptable. It should NEVER take that long to do the right thing. I truly question, if it weren’t for the recommendation made, would they have even filed a report to begin with? I appreciate the community's diligence and hard work on accountability. We are truly making an impact. Thank you again for your patience and keep fighting. #DoBetterSOA Lots of love, McKenzee Grace not much urgency there. Edited January 14, 2022 by Jeff Ream 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Ream Posted January 14, 2022 Author Share Posted January 14, 2022 2 hours ago, Terri Schehr said: I was going to subscribe to flo this summer but I won’t be doing that this year. less buffering will be good for you 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Ream Posted January 14, 2022 Author Share Posted January 14, 2022 1 hour ago, Sutasaurus said: Then you don’t care about all the good this activity does? Asking for a change in the status quo is disgusting? Just asking. If you believe in the activity and want to see it continue then you have to take ownership and create a replacement to DCI. If that’s beyond your ability then maybe it’s time to go to DCI directly and ask for answers….otherwise “burn it down” then where are we without a back up plan? all the good goes out the window when kids are reporting issues like we have been seeing. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smug Trumpet Guy Posted January 14, 2022 Share Posted January 14, 2022 35 minutes ago, Brian Tuma said: To reiterate, the case that came to light involved an out of control rookie talent night that took place on a bus. How does one just “walk away” from a situation like that? Well of course you duct tape a blanket over there eyes that way its like theyre not even there Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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