(WWJ) An independent investigation into the Interlochen Center for the Arts in Northern Michigan says decades of alleged sexual abuse by nearly 50 adults left some 70 former students carrying trauma for years.
Investigators found that some survivors stayed silent because they feared they wouldn't be believed, or worried about damaging their artistic careers.
The investigation by an outside law firm began about two years ago, when Interlochen Center for the Arts received a complaint from a student who'd attended the program back in the 1970s. She said a longtime faculty member had sexually abused her.
The resulting report documents allegations dating back to the 1960s, involving more than a dozen former employees, including teachers, counselors and staff.
Investigators interviewed former students who described abuse, grooming and other misconduct, with many saying their complaints were ignored or never reported.
“The information gathered during this investigation is, simply, devastating,” the investigators wrote in the published report. “Despite the deep and positive connections that many individuals expressed to the investigative team regarding Interlochen, some of these same individuals detailed the significant negative impact of the conduct that they reported.”
Interlochen says none of the 47 people accused in the report is currently employed by Interlochen; about 1/3 of the people accused in the report are dead.
The full report is available online HERE.
Interlochen says it accepts the report's findings, has apologized to some survivors, and strengthened policies and reporting procedures to better protect its students.
The report has been handed over to prosecutors, which is expected to investigate and potentially pursue charges.
Anyone with additional information about abuse at Interlochen is asked to please come forward. For information about how to make a report, visit this link.
Interlochen Center for the Arts is a renowned fine arts boarding high school and summer camp located in Interlochen, Michigan. It is widely considered one of the most prestigious arts institutions in the world, serving as an elite training ground for gifted young musicians, actors, dancers, writers, and visual artists.
Students flock there from all over the globe for its intensive, world-class instruction and massive professional network. Its notable alumni include numerous Grammy, Oscar, and Tony winners.
The Associated Press reports that Jeffrey Epstein, who played the bassoon, was an Interlochen camper in 1967. He donated more than $400,000 to the school between 1990 and 2003. Two women told investigators that Epstein engaged in conduct of a sexual nature with them, one of them at the Interlochen lodge that bore his name, according to the report.
The public can get more information about the investigation and the report at this link.
Investigators say there are at least 70 victims
Investigators say there are at least 70 victims
