Chapter 29: Friday, Dec. 8

In which suggestive lyrics cause a tempest, and Diantha seems attracted to the Green Sherpa's unsavory proprietor.

By Alfred Alcorn

Sep 17, 2001 | A rude surprise awaited me at the meeting of the Appropriateness Subcommittee this afternoon. In looking back on it, I think nothing less than a coup was attempted. As I may have mentioned, Professor Athol called rather breathlessly earlier in the week to tell me that a matter of pressing importance had come before the Subcommittee and that my appearance was especially important. Well, obviously, I thought it had something to do with the Spronger-Jones affair. At worst I imagined I would be upbraided for interviewing the disputants in that case without the express approval of the Chair. I couldn't have been more wrong.

I should have guessed something was very amiss from the atmosphere in the Rothko Room the moment I walked in. Maria Cowe was in attendance along with a young woman I had seen somewhere before.

At any rate, I had scarcely sat down when Professor Athol, a bit nervously reading from a statement, said that a very serious matter concerning one of the members of this body had been brought to the attention of the Subcommittee. He cleared his throat. "Ms. Jessica Straits, who works in the Office of Human Resources, has reported a very disturbing incident involving, you, Mr. de Ratour."

At first I couldn't quite grasp that they were discussing me. I kept waiting for mention of Ms. Spronger and Mr. Jones as the import of the accusation slowly registered. My initial irritation at being summoned so peremptorily gave way to concern and then to anger. But I remained silent.

"Ms. Straits, in her complaint to Ms. Cowe, relates that on the afternoon of Friday, November 10, she was, during a conversation with Mr. de Ratour, subjected to a humiliating recital of suggestive lyrics from a rap song." Professor Athol paused, as though for effect.

By now everyone in the room was staring at me, except for Ms. Doveen and Izzy Landes, whose glances were of surprise and concern. I returned the stares of the others, looking right at each of them. "Please continue, Professor Athol," I said. "With every word, I feel I'm getting richer. Whether we settle this matter in or out of court."

Professor Athol cleared his throat again. There seemed less certainty now in the expressions of reproach on the faces of those who thought they had an open-and-shut case. "Ms. Straits, in her statement, asserts that Mr. de Ratour's unsolicited recital of obscene lyrics left her unable to perform her duties with her customary efficiency. She said she 'no longer felt she had a safe, supportive, nurturing environment in which to pursue her work.' She further states that the trauma of the encounter made it necessary for her to seek counseling from a therapist in the University's health services. The therapist's remarks, while being kept confidential, are part of this report. On the advice of her therapist, she has joined a support group for survivors of sexual harassment."

I'm not sure now how I kept myself from making an unseemly outburst. Perhaps it helped to take notes. When Professor Athol turned to me finally and asked if I would like "to present your version of what happened during the incident under review," I remained seated and calm, formulating my response. After a few moments I stood up. I looked at all of them. I cleared my throat. I said, "First, my attorney will need a list of everyone who has had any role whatsoever in arranging this public humiliation."

"Mr. de Ratour ..."

"Please let me speak, sir. My attorney will take from those involved, under oath, depositions as to when and where you met and what was discussed. Second, anyone who is part of this cabal to humiliate me should consider getting his own counsel, because I intend to sue each of you individually for defamation of character ..."

"Mr. de Ratour ..." Ariel Dearth started in.

I interrupted him. "I'm sorry, Mr. Dearth, I already have an attorney to represent me in this matter. And I'll be giving him 50 percent of what we'll get in damages. In fact, I'll give him 75 percent. Just as an incentive."

"This is not a public meeting, Mr. de Ratour," Ms. Brattle stated.

"You should read the by-laws establishing the Subcommittee, Ms. Brattle," I retorted pointedly. "They state very clearly that anyone coming before this committee shall have two weeks to prepare his response to any and all charges. It also states that any incident that reaches the point where the parties in conflict agree to meet with the Subcommittee will go into the records of such parties."

"Those are private," Ms. Cowe said, a look of alarm on her face.

"We can let the judge decide that," I said.

"I think Norman's exactly right," Izzy said. "Due process is due process. Just to call us to this meeting on a charge of a sexual harassment case without prior notice carries a presumption of guilt."

"Thank you, Mr. Landes," I said.

"Are you threatening the Subcommittee?" Ms. Schanke wanted to know.

"You're very perceptive, Ms. Schanke. Absolutely. I am threatening those members of this subcommittee who had any role in this defamation of my character."

Next Page: "What did you say to the young thing to drive her to therapy?"

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