A few years ago, when sexual assaults and the Church and other things were being discussed, I had three things happen.
First, under the auspices of the local JRCLS, Mark Romney prepared and trained local leaders on mandatory reporting. No ifs, ands or buts. You must report and how to do it immediately. Mark, now a stake president, was as bright line and as hard line as you could get.
Second, I had some contact with people who were having some problems with an attorney and the Church over a sex abuse reporting issue.
Third, we had the chief counsel for the LDS Church address us at the JRCLS in Dallas.
In passing, I mentioned the problems the people claimed to be having. The chief counsel’s response was clear, direct and immediate. He said the “claimed” part didn’t matter. He gave me his direct line phone number and his personal e-mail and asked me to forward both to the individuals so they could contact him and so he could make certain that whoever was on the Church side put the victim first and did nothing to discourage reporting or to make their lives harder.
I put the two together and the people were pleased with the outcome (though I was cut completely out of the loop so I don’t know anything more).
It was instructive to me. First, there was no questioning about the possibility of there being a problem. No one treated this as the complainers just complaining or misunderstanding. Instead, it was treated as if there was a complaint, then there was a problem that needed to be addressed. Second, no one thought the training approach was wrong or should be softened.
One other issue came up. The Church had considered a Miranda warning sort of card or announcement. “If you mention an assault, it will be reported.” The only push back on that came not from the legal department or leadership but from those in countries where if your clergy did not assert clergy-penitent privilege your church was not considered a “real” church — with significant problems.
I’ve wondered if time would allow a work-around for that issue or what is going on in the area, but I don’t know because (a) I didn’t keep the phone number or e-mail (it wasn’t for me, just for me to forward) and (b) I haven’t had the chance to be in a place where I could ask about it since.
But in the flesh, when I dealt with real people and real issues, I saw honest, direct and good faith effort made immediately and without excuses.
Which I got to thinking about again recently since I went to school with Kevin Worthen. He seemed like a good guy then. I hope he has only gotten better with age. I realize that he is under some real public scrutiny as is BYU, but my experience with people acting in good faith gives me hope.
What gives you hope?
Wheat & Tares 
Any churchmember called to scouts does youth protection training, and that also advocates mandatory reporting regardless of whether the person seems credible. You don’t ignore charges of abuse. Period.
I don’t have much personal experience in the realm of sex assaults. The only occasions in my family I’m aware of were among family members – not really the same issue that’s affecting BYU. One element that has consistently appeared in the articles I’ve read is that an employee at the Title IX office expressed obvious doubt that the complaints were legitimate (In at least 2 accounts it was the same named employee). *That’s* what I see is a big problem. Allegations of abuse should never to be taken lightly.
I’ve seen at least one comment online of a victim receiving good support at BYU. However, the vast majority of accounts I’ve seen are not so positive. We still have problems in Mormon culture, but I think younger generations (in and out of our church) are growing up with greater awareness and confidence about speaking up for themselves. That gives me hope.
Compare this LDS college:
http://www.sltrib.com/lifestyle/faith/3836581-155/this-mormon-college-offers-amnesty-to
Perhaps victims should call Church Legal and bypass local leadership and BYU altogether. Kirton and McConkie would tell Title IX, HC committee to get on board or get out of the way.
I don’t know what Kirton & McConkie would do.
I have some faith that Kevin Worthen will take an intelligent and deep look at things.
The fact that President Worthen’s name was on BYU’s response to the sexual assault reporting-Title IX-honor code office mess made me hope there would be a positive change. He was the dean of the law school when I was there, and he seemed like a very smart and good person who would want to fix this obvious problem. I guess we’ll see what happens, but I am hopeful.
Frankly, I don’t have much faith in Pres. Worthen. He seems like a nice man, but his answers in the so-called “interview” indicated he himself was unclear about Title IX issues, which is inexcusable for someone in his position. And the fact that he put out a fake interview instead of facing actual reporters tells me he’s more concerned about appearances than fixing the problem. I think this problem will only be fixed when the external pressure and scrutiny become intense enough.
The young students who spoke up and told their stories gives me hope. I work with young people and I’m amazed by their energy, idealism and desire to change things for the better. They, not a bunch of BYU administrators, restore my faith in humanity.
I agree with Brother Sky. Right now my hope centers in the power of the truth. Victims who swept their assaults under the rug for all kinds of reasons are now coming forward.
What’s the quote? The truth being like a lion. Let it loose; it will defend itself.
I look forward to Mother’s Day. I hope by then the church will have formulated a coherent policy about women who are victimized by men and church institutions so that bishops can stand in sacrament meetings and tell everyone how women are valued in the church.
Thank you to everyone for their comments.
Btw, having been on the board of a rape crisis center it is not only women who are abused and it is not only men who abuse. I realize it sounds naive, but it is terrifying and sad the range of abuse that occurs.
Talk about external pressure. This is the lead story on CNN.com.
I don’t have total faith that all of board of trustees will see it that way.
A possible lawsuit against the board of trustees would get the law firms attention.
Yep. Especially when folks realized BYU avails itself of tax payers money.
I was disheartened to see this story this morning: http://www.sltrib.com/home/3836354-155/feds-exempt-byu-idaho-from-protecting-transgender
What gives me hope is seeing institutions do the right thing without somebody forcing them to.
As I’ve said elsewhere, doing a “study” at BYU is like watching your house burn while you study the best place to aim the hose.
Even so, the inherent good in human beings gives me hope.
Here is the CNN story. http://www.cnn.com/2016/04/29/health/brigham-young-university-rape/index.html
Suit against the board of trustees would only annoy people including the judge. Not the right legal party for a suit on any of these points.
But there are people who genuinely want to do good.
Okay, I’m an idiot. Just what is JRCLS?
Kirton and McConkie’s legal duty is to protect their client, the LDS church from legal liability, period, end of sentence.
JRCLS is the BYU law school Alumni association.
I should have provided a link or an explanation.
The attorney I referenced works directly for the church, not an outside law firm.
Anyway, not a stupid question–my fault for not being complete enough.