In a time of desperation, I returned to my alma mater willingly, but not without the suspicion that morals and the upheaval of misconduct would cease to be upheld.
Over time, I began to effectively describe it as a “boys club,” and while I appreciate the notion of acknowledging “no tolerance for these types of things,” your actions quite frankly,
speak louder than your words.
I lasted about 2 months before I decided to save myself and my dignity. Enough is enough. It was 2 months too long, and 1 problematic man too many.
By the time I decided to leave, my tally had reached at least 5.
Not counting the behavior that surpassed my eyes. Not counting the mistreatment that influenced me even before graduation, and not counting the moments of harassment and bullying, unfolding silently behind closed doors.
Proving the linkage between mistreatment and misdirection.
An inhospitable environment for anyone not “from here” or willing to pledge “blood money,” both physically and ideologically.
Recognizing patterns is a challenge in and of itself, let alone addressing the issues at their core, and having to exert exponential forms of energy in order for others to not even take them seriously.
Earth shatters when you raise questions like this.
And while my anger is still just anger, it is also disappointment, disgust, disdain, and the recognition of danger amidst a world already choking and gagging on it.
In a time of desperation, I returned to my alma mater, and I regret to inform you that,
my suspicions had no problem slapping me directly in the face.
- Rachel Kathryn <3