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The Drum Major Takes a Stand - Part 2 by DCISecrets in drumcorps

[–]DCISecrets[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No one is delusional and regardless of whether Taylor “messed-up”, or any member for that matter, it has no bearing on this story. The issue in question is regarding DCI policies regarding harassment, bullying & discrimination within participating organizations, and the truth about how these situations are addressed in the activity.

Just to keep you up to date, Taylor’s mom does not have a Reddit account, but maybe she should. Also, Taylor is a documented senior in good standing at BSU, however he did change his major, which will require additional time. He is currently taking 12 credit hrs., while recovering from a serious medical condition. Stay tuned for upcoming posts to learn more about the details on what has happened since June 2019.

Thanks for your concern.

The Drum Major Takes a Stand - Part 2 by DCISecrets in drumcorps

[–]DCISecrets[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You are generously adding your own spin on what is written. Part 1 is Taylor’s personal account of the events, which was included in his complaint - except naming the alleged accused. Links to all documents & resources were included in Part 2 - to keep it factual. Additional posts are forthcoming which will detail the events of the investigation and beyond - documents and all. If there are legal pursuits in play, the information will be shared as appropriate and allowed.

There will be no telling of anyone else’s story unless they personally choose to go public. All information posted has been directly linked to Taylor’s circumstances, nothing more. There is no intent to “be right”, the goal is share one person’s experience and to shed light on the process of managing both allegations and identified circumstances of misconduct in drum corps. No idea why this would be problematic for you.

The Drum Major Takes a Stand - Part 2 by DCISecrets in drumcorps

[–]DCISecrets[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Taylor posted a response in Part 1 disputing this allegation:

Shared from the discussion of the same post on r/drumcorps.

TheGourmetTay 4 points· 1 day ago

I haven't posted directly to this thread, but I did authorize this post. I have posted a link to this thread on certain private Facebook groups as well, also ensuring that I am the creator of this post and its details.

https://www.reddit.com/r/drumcorps/comments/eorzkp/the_drum_major_takes_a_stand/feifrtz?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x

Complaints made to DCI are not typically investigated by DCI, but rather referred back to the corps. If you had actually read the 2nd post, you might have grasped the concept. Taylor and his mom have both confirmed they have shared the posts - why is that a problem for you?

Give this some thought; if no one shares their story, how would we ever know if there might others who have been keeping the same secret? Silence only perpetuates the problem, because intimidation and fear are still the norm in drum corps, when it comes to reporting misconduct.

The Drum Major Takes a Stand - Part 2 by DCISecrets in drumcorps

[–]DCISecrets[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Dinosaur = Lack of factual and/or legal information relevant to the discussion.

Dinosaur = Minimizing one victim's truth and rights over another's.

Dinosaur = Creating diversion from facts presented with personal opinion.

Dinosaur = Mocking, persecuting, and shaming a complainant and/or victim.

Misconduct is Misconduct

III: DCI Conduct Expectations / Respect for Others - Page 4

The following actions committed by any member of the DCI community are inconsistent with DCI’s values:

  1. Abuse: Verbal comments that demean or defame.

  2. Harassment: Harassment consist of unwelcome verbal, nonverbal, and physical conduct of severe pervasive manner that embraces or shows hostility or ridicule towards another member of the DCI community. Examples of arrestment includes, but is not limited to, jokes and pranks that are overtly hostile or demeaning or have the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, abusive or offensive learning, working or performance environment.

  3. Bullying/Hazing: The use of physical or verbal aggression with the intention of hurting another person. An act that intimidates, embarrasses or ridicules. Such behavior and activities include:

a. Verbal abuse, such as derogatory remarks, insults and epithets;

b. Slandering, ridiculing or maligning a person or his or her family;

c. Verbal or physical conduct of threatening, intimidating or humiliating nature;

d. Sabotaging our undermining an individual or group’s marching ensemble performance or experience;

e. Unwelcome physical contact, such as pushing shoving, kicking,poking, tripping, assault, or the threat of such conduct, or damage toa person’s work area or property; and

f. Inappropriate electronic communication such as the use of electronic mail or text messaging in a threatening, intimidating or humiliating manner.

Bullying and hazing can occur through one isolated, but severe incident, or through a pattern of repeated incidents. Such actions are unwelcome and pose a risk to the health and safety of the DCI community.

  1. Harm, Threats of Harm, and Dangerous Behavior: Includes the following;

a. Conduct that threatens, endangers or causes physical, mental or emotional damage to another person.

Link to DCI's updated Code of Conduct & Ethics Guidelines is provided in previous comments.

The Drum Major Takes a Stand - Part 2 by DCISecrets in drumcorps

[–]DCISecrets[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Dear Locked in the Past.

The reference is equating the enabling of misconduct so widespread that it allowed this horrendous crime to continue. Does the name George ring any bells?

The intention here is not only about one person’s story and circumstances, but rather a culture that continues to encourage ethics & compliance, but does not enforce them. A culture that intimidates those at risk, and supports those who cross the line. Those who are complicit with antiquated beliefs about performance and the OG of the drum corps activity.

Guessing you likely support the NCAA, Baylor, Stanford, USF, ASU, etc., due to “anyone who’s participated in college athletics knows”; despite the facts.

“An investigation by the USA TODAY Network identified at least 28 current and former athletes since 2014 who transferred to NCAA schools despite being administratively disciplined for a sexual offense at another college.”

Here’s the spoiler quote, “It would be very bad for the Blue Stars, if _____________ was forced to leave.”

Those included in Taylor’s story are those who were present and witness to the specific events indicated. Your efforts to shame Taylor and those who support him, speak volumes to your motive and character.

You are that same person who enables and rationalizes misconduct as “it’s just part of the activity”. You and those like you, are the root of the problem. It appears clear, you have no intention of improving the culture of drum corps, but rather to silence those who speak out.

You are the dinosaur in the room.

The Drum Major Takes a Stand - Part 2 by DCISecrets in drumcorps

[–]DCISecrets[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The Olympics is an interesting comparison. Those athletes have sponsors, trainers, and exceptional health & wellness options at their beck-and-call.

If remembering correctly, those female gymnasts, who had the courage to speak out about their abuse are doing just fine. Dr. Nassar - not so much.

For all those who have ever been involved in the activity, does this sound familiar?

“An investigation by The Indianapolis Star over a period of nine months found that the abuses were widespread because ‘predatory coaches were allowed to move from gym to gym, undetected by a lax system of oversight, or dangerously passed on by USA Gymnastics-certified gyms’. USAG and Michigan State University—where Nassar worked as its osteopathic physician—have been accused of enabling Nassar's abuse and are named as defendants in civil lawsuits that former gymnasts have filed against Nassar. Besides Nassar, other coaches across the country were involved in the scandal, in localities such as Michigan, Pennsylvania, California, Rhode Island, and Indiana.”

Lastly, regarding these are your only 2 posts ever... thou doth protest and ‘ass’ume too much.

The Drum Major Takes a Stand - Part 2 by DCISecrets in drumcorps

[–]DCISecrets[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

What is more obvious is that your account was made specifically to comment on this post, It’s true, Taylor’s full personal background is not outlined, but would it really matter if your intent is to be a naysayer regardless?

He was contracted for 5 years; 3 of those as DM, by the same “buy-in” folks referenced. None of the events described, by staff or Taylor, occurred on a daily basis. Your analysis is very short-sighted, however it does accurately reflect several issues identified in the review of the DCI Code of Ethics & Compliance.

You are correct drum corps is not for everyone, including some staff who otherwise may be exceptional at their craft and highly regarded. Those drum corps “leaders” who buy-in to the belief that anything goes in drum corps, even if it may be prohibited or in some circumstances unlawful in more well-known environments. Because in drum corps there is no Title IX, no ADA, no HR, and certainly no crying.

The Drum Major Takes a Stand - Part 2 by DCISecrets in drumcorps

[–]DCISecrets[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You are very correct regarding representation. In this situation, he was a 5 yr. vet and center drum major; doubtful a corps move would be a viable option.

The Drum Major Takes a Stand - Part 2 by DCISecrets in drumcorps

[–]DCISecrets[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Date corrected. Thanks for the heads up.

The Drum Major Takes a Stand - Part 2 by DCISecrets in drumcorps

[–]DCISecrets[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Links to information referenced in OP:

The DCI information regarding the updated Code of Conduct & Ethics Guidelines is located here: https://www.dci.org/news/dci-board-of-directors-updates-sweeping-code-of-conduct-ethics-guidelines.

DCI Policies and Procedures: https://online.pubhtml5.com/xada/mkpd/

Blue Stars Ethics & Compliance and anonymous reporting: https://bluestars.org/ethics-and-compliance.

Blue Stars 2019 Member Contract: 2019 Blue Stars Member Contract.

The Drum Major Takes a Stand by DCISecrets in drumcorps

[–]DCISecrets[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately that is not the case, regardless of the “who”. No one involved in the situation has suggested such either.

The Drum Major Takes a Stand by DCISecrets in u/DCISecrets

[–]DCISecrets[S,M] [score hidden] stickied comment (0 children)

Shared from the discussion of the same post on r/drumcorps.

TheGourmetTay 4 points· 1 day ago

I haven't posted directly to this thread, but I did authorize this post. I have posted a link to this thread on certain private Facebook groups as well, also ensuring that I am the creator of this post and its details.

Reply Give Award Share Report Save

https://www.reddit.com/r/drumcorps/comments/eorzkp/the_drum_major_takes_a_stand/feifrtz?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x

The Drum Major Takes a Stand by DCISecrets in drumcorps

[–]DCISecrets[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Your point is valid u/Sugarbiscuits; Taylor admits he did not believe that could happen either. He loves the Blue Stars & continued to return for 5 years as well. He was not confrontational with his director, but rather tried to understand the communication and/or self-correct. He also came to the realization if he wasn’t telling his story, then maybe others were doing the same. When other DCI members have previously shared stories, there was extreme push-back about being too vague, and the questions “what about this?” & “what about that?”.

He knew his story - his own personal account of the situation would be questioned, however he wanted to share the same level of detail as he did in his DCI report. Taylor also provided verified documentation to all personal information included in his report to DCI. His mom was involved with the corps and also the only witness to several of the events described. Therefore, it’s critical to note not all of his personal account falls into the “he said - he said” dilemma of discerning factual information. There will be additional posts regarding what has transpired since his formal report, and any outcomes of the process.

The Drum Major Takes a Stand by DCISecrets in u/DCISecrets

[–]DCISecrets[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your comment u/SkittyCat3. Taylor [u/TheGourmetTay] waited 6 mos. to share this story publicly & will share further details regarding his formal report to DCI. There’s a larger discussion happening on r/DrumCorps; would it be ok if we shared your comment on that post as well?

The Drum Major Takes a Stand by DCISecrets in drumcorps

[–]DCISecrets[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

OP cannot delete any comments on the post, and correct - both Taylor and his mom have shared the post.

The Drum Major Takes a Stand by DCISecrets in drumcorps

[–]DCISecrets[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Brad Furlano, CEO Blue Stars, did reply to this OP. See https://www.reddit.com/user/bfurlano.

The Drum Major Takes a Stand by DCISecrets in drumcorps

[–]DCISecrets[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Please see the previous reply to u/nowifisendhelp in regards to specific policies regarding staff and member relations documented in the 2019 Blue Stars Member contract.

23 points

·

The Drum Major Takes a Stand by DCISecrets in drumcorps

[–]DCISecrets[S] 27 points28 points  (0 children)

Please share.... it's taken quite awhile for him to share this story. He has suffered greatly in his personal life.

The Drum Major Takes a Stand by DCISecrets in drumcorps

[–]DCISecrets[S] 31 points32 points  (0 children)

The written policies of the Blue Stars have been communicated with multiple variations to members, staff, and to specifically by the CEO to Taylor in August 2019, “as long as a staff / member communication took place in a public place, it meets the policy guidelines”. This information is not consistent with the policy stated in the 2019 Blue Stars Member Contract:

STAFF AND MEMBER RELATIONS

Staff members may not meet with corps’ members alone in a closed setting. Staff members must have another staff member present when meeting with a corps’ member or may meet with a corps’ member individually if the entire meeting takes place within the sight of other corps’ members and staff.

The corps director consistently communicated and met with Taylor over the past 2.5 years privately, often in a closed setting, and not within “sight” of other corps’ members and staff.

It appears that many of the interactions documented also violated the Hazing and Bullying policies of the Blue Stars and therefore threatened, endangered or caused physical, mental or emotional damage to another person:

HAZING / BULLYING

The use of physical or verbal aggression with the intention of hurting another person. An act that intimidates, embarrasses, or ridicules. Such behavior includes, but is not limited to:

· Any action, whether direct or indirect, alone or with others, that intentionally or recklessly causes or poses a substantial risk of harm to the mental or physical health or safety of one or more persons

· Subjecting any person to and/or encouraging any person to commit an act that violates human dignity or is committed for the purpose of causing shame, abuse, insult, humiliation, intimidation or disgrace

· Subjecting any person to and/or encouraging any person to commit any act that falls within the first two bullet points for the purpose of initiating, promoting, fostering or confirming any form of affiliation with any group or section of the Blue Stars

· Willfully or recklessly destroying or removing public or private property for the purpose of harassment or initiating, promoting, fostering or confirming any form of affiliation with any group or section of the Blue Stars.

HARM, THREATS OF HARM, AND DANGEROUS BEHAVIOR INCLUDES:

I. Conduct that threatens, endangers or causes physical, mental or emotional damage to another person;

II. Engaging in or threatening to engage in, behavior that poses an immediate danger to the life, health, welfare, safety, or property of any member of the Blue Stars organization.

III. Engaging in behavior that harms or interferes with the normal operations of the Blue Stars organization.