The Academy and Sexual Misconduct
It’s hard to be unaware of the sexual assault epidemic raging across colleges and boarding schools. With more and more victims stepping out of the shadows, schools are facing difficulties over how to handle the cases. Although most of the focus has centered around college campuses, multiple cases from Deerfield, St. George’s and most notably St. Paul’s have shifted the attention to private boarding schools. Now, with yesterday’s all-school email, our own school has joined that list. The Boston Globe has already published an article, “Teacher at Phillips Exeter Barred from Campus,” about the case and perhaps more publications will follow suit.
With allegations of sexual misconduct, the administration cannot afford to hide facts. We’ve already seen the administration fail twice, both in 2011 and 2015, to inform the community about the case. The Globe also alleged that the administration didn’t disclose the scandal until the day after the Globe inquired about it. Mr. Schubart was still allowed on campus until 2015, even after admitting to misconduct in 2011. In the short-term, to try and cover up the situation would be to take the easy route. Potential students wouldn’t be scared of coming here. “Exeter” wouldn’t carry the same connotation that “St. Paul’s” now does. But in the long-term, that road would lead us to more problems. Although our campus wouldn’t be supporting sexual misconduct, we wouldn’t be actively discouraging it either. And if it were to come to light that the Academy had hidden facts, we would face even harsher consequences, creating only a big scandal.
However, if our school is proactive and transparent about this case, we will foster a safer environment for victims to come forward and can set an example for other schools. Often in cases of sexual misconduct, there is an atmosphere of victim blaming and stigma surrounding those who decide to face their accusers. Unfortunately, at this point, it’s impossible to think that sexual misconduct will not happen on this campus. However, by actively leading the investigation, the Academy will play its part to alleviate the pressure on victims and make our campus safer for all students. Principal MacFarlane, despite having inherited this situation, has already made a strong statement during her young tenure by apologizing for the Academy’s failure to acknowledge the case in 2011 and 2015. We thank her for acting responsibly and hope she stays honest and transparent in the future as this saddening news further unravels.
We also must remember that Mr. Schubart is a human with family and friends, some of whom are still beloved parts of our community. We do not condone or defend Mr. Schubart’s actions, but rather recognize the importance of not attacking those who try to protect him or speak kindly of his personality. This case is just one facet in the ongoing conversation we must have about sexual misconduct.
Finally, it is important that we, as a community, promote safe spaces for all victims. Although we don’t understand their pain, we understand the stress and difficulties that many might face if they were to come forward. This conversation would have never begun had brave victims not stepped out. It is our collective responsibility as a community to help create a safe space for victims and to unite against sexual assault.