Although it's needed when whistleblowing happens, often the organizations will suffer a loss in credibility and the resulting shake-up often reveals that many people who feel that they were doing just fine, were in fact putting their head in the sand and ignoring major problems.
Anyone who then has done this will have shaken people's core beliefs about themselves. It takes a truly strong individual or organization to take responsibility for the wrongs they have done and to make amends.
Thank you for writing about the process and for letting everyone know what has happened.
In a talk I give to other doctors I ask them two questions: When was the last time you felt physically threatened? And do you know anyone who has been beaten or abused by their significant other?
The men answer “Can’t remember” and “Not really”. The women answer “Today” and “Yes, personally.”
The world looks different for men and women. Men in positions of power must remember that and not dismiss women’s concerns. Sociopaths and abusers wear the clothing of respect and privilege but are wolves nonetheless.
I don't really engage with social media and I'm woefully ignorant of governance procedures at the USCF. When the WSJ article came out I had naively presumed this would all be taken care of. How stupid of me. Thankfully, this substack found it's way into my inbox. I'm inspired by your courage and commitment to your values in the face of adversity. I presume there is a petition to compel the USCF to issue an apology and hold people accountable and perhaps a letter writing campaign. I'll seek these out and follow up. Thanks for all you've done to promote a safer, saner future for chess.
“No good deed goes unpunished.” When I was a child I was utterly baffled by this saying. But any adult whose eyes are wide open eventually learns what it means. And that goes double for whistleblowers.
Very sorry you went through this ordeal. I hope and pray we do better. I have a daughter and all women deserve better. God bless you for coming forward.
The whole ‘whistleblower’ term in this instance is an issue in itself. All too often, people who report abuse that they have experienced are treated as if their evidence is hearsay. You’re the best
Your courage and resolve to do the right thing, be a role model and help protect women and girls is a major inspiration for me. Thank you for continuing to educate on the importance of chess as a safe space for all.
I fear US chess may still be very unclean. I know personally of such a case but dont have the capacity to do anything about it. How does one whistleblow from halfway across the world?
We have the deepest admiration for your courage. Very likely you saved some other woman or girl from a predator. The bleeding heart liberal in me hopes, for the good of everyone, that he gets the psychiatric help he needs.
Although it's needed when whistleblowing happens, often the organizations will suffer a loss in credibility and the resulting shake-up often reveals that many people who feel that they were doing just fine, were in fact putting their head in the sand and ignoring major problems.
Anyone who then has done this will have shaken people's core beliefs about themselves. It takes a truly strong individual or organization to take responsibility for the wrongs they have done and to make amends.
Thank you for writing about the process and for letting everyone know what has happened.
Thank you so much for this thoughtful comment!
Go Jennifer!
In a talk I give to other doctors I ask them two questions: When was the last time you felt physically threatened? And do you know anyone who has been beaten or abused by their significant other?
The men answer “Can’t remember” and “Not really”. The women answer “Today” and “Yes, personally.”
The world looks different for men and women. Men in positions of power must remember that and not dismiss women’s concerns. Sociopaths and abusers wear the clothing of respect and privilege but are wolves nonetheless.
I was saddened to read about this when the story first came out. I hope you and all the rest will have your day of vindication. There is no excuse.
I don't really engage with social media and I'm woefully ignorant of governance procedures at the USCF. When the WSJ article came out I had naively presumed this would all be taken care of. How stupid of me. Thankfully, this substack found it's way into my inbox. I'm inspired by your courage and commitment to your values in the face of adversity. I presume there is a petition to compel the USCF to issue an apology and hold people accountable and perhaps a letter writing campaign. I'll seek these out and follow up. Thanks for all you've done to promote a safer, saner future for chess.
“No good deed goes unpunished.” When I was a child I was utterly baffled by this saying. But any adult whose eyes are wide open eventually learns what it means. And that goes double for whistleblowers.
Very sorry you went through this ordeal. I hope and pray we do better. I have a daughter and all women deserve better. God bless you for coming forward.
The whole ‘whistleblower’ term in this instance is an issue in itself. All too often, people who report abuse that they have experienced are treated as if their evidence is hearsay. You’re the best
Your courage and resolve to do the right thing, be a role model and help protect women and girls is a major inspiration for me. Thank you for continuing to educate on the importance of chess as a safe space for all.
❤️🙌
I enjoy following this story out of morbid curiosity.
I fear US chess may still be very unclean. I know personally of such a case but dont have the capacity to do anything about it. How does one whistleblow from halfway across the world?
We have the deepest admiration for your courage. Very likely you saved some other woman or girl from a predator. The bleeding heart liberal in me hopes, for the good of everyone, that he gets the psychiatric help he needs.