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I also have nightmare stories around Mark Gibson at CCM. He perpetuates a culture of humiliation and domination at the institution. How the faculty and administration can be so blind to and complicit in the enormity of what he costs the university every year in a dozen different ways is a study in toxic masculinity and entrenched authoritarian rule as well as the toadies full of fear for their own little corners that make it all possible every day.

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Lucy I would strongly encourage you or anyone reading that NOW is the time to speak out, if you feel able, and tell others if you know they have experiences to share. Kevin Holzman, Division Chair of Ensembles and Conducting, needs to hear as many of these stories as possible, because as we all know, part of the problem is people feel isolated and afraid to speak out individually. And admin's hands are tied unless there is a preponderance of evidence. Anyone with information about any badly behaving faculty member, whether at CCM or anywhere, please feel empowered to speak up!

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Oh trust me, I wrote letters- I would assume they are still in a file in someone’s office. Dean George wrote a very caustic letter back telling me he hoped that someday I would appreciate the education I was getting at CCM. I was the first.

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oh my GAWD. I am so sorry. All I can say is, the atmosphere *right now* is such that I believe your letters would be taken more seriously. If you'd like to talk via phone, my area code is Cincinnati, plus 377-6328.

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I was at CCM from 2004-2006 and worked directly with Gibson. I witnessed his egregious behavior and consider him a scourge on the institution and our profession. Good on you for naming him and calling him out.

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You’re doing important work. Please take care of yourself. I’m so sorry.

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Thank you for sharing your story. Stay strong!

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