Choral Ethics: Uncomfortable Update

“An Englishman thinks he is moral when he is only uncomfortable.” George Bernard Shaw

WARNING: Could be a trigger for some.

Sarah’s story troubled me for quite some time, and I didn’t hear from her for several years. Then several ChoralNetters contacted me  and asked about her so I decided to see what happened. She is doing well, her child is now in school, and she recently gave birth to her second child. She updated her story and thanked me for my advice.

I won’t share the complete and complicated story but after she told her spouse what was going on, he insisted they speak with the college’s HR department. It was eye-opening to speak with HR; they were in the process of ousting the music department head due to other similar complaints over the course of ten years.

HR had enough information so her testimony was not needed but she could add her name to the list if she would like. She decided not to add her name, with the understanding if she was needed, she would comply. The department chair was given the choice of “early retirement” with three-quarters of his pension or being charged criminally. He chose early retirement but there’s always the chance someone will press charges before the statute of limitations runs out if they so desire—the Sword of Damocles, if you will.

I asked Sarah if she was satisfied with the outcome. She said yes, for the most part, but has vowed never to let anyone get away with what the former department chair seems to have gotten away with. The option to press charges does help her mental health. She wishes she had added her name to the list, but didn’t feel strong enough at the time. She did receive tenure and really loves her job, the college music department, and the community. And that’s good enough for now.

*Name Withheld