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I’m incredibly concerned by decisions @MLive ( @annarbornews) has made in their reporting on Stephen Shipps' alleged sexual abuse. I fear for the effects it will have on others that contemplate coming forward with allegations against Shipps.
In 2018, @MLive's first article about Shipps paired Shipps' headshot with Maureen's headshot. Though she was one of the 8 survivors accusing Shipps of sexual misconduct in @michigandaily, she was the only survivor pictured opposite Shipps in the @MLive article.
In @MLive's most recent articles about Shipps’ trial, they wrote that "MLive does not usually name victims in sexual assault or misconduct cases, but Maureen O'Boyle gave permission when she was interviewed for a story in December 2018." Why did they decide to mention Maureen?
Shipps is being tried for events in 2002. Maureen studied with Shipps in 1979. @MLive’s article gives no explanation of this timeline, leading some to assume that the charges relate to Maureen’s allegations against Shipps.
From glass doors to new sexual misconduct policies, Maureen's brave decision to speak out changed @umichsmtd and classical music as a whole. But now Maureen questions whether she should have spoken to any reporters--she fears her name is now associated with Shipps' alleged abuse.
Last week, Maureen texted me: "if there is anything you can do to lessen the continued publication of my name, that would be appreciated." So I shared Maureen's request. If "she truly wishes to not be referenced," @MLive responded, "she needs to reach out to us directly."
Survivors should not be permanently associated with their alleged abusers. Survivors should not be named in every article about their alleged assailant. Journalists need to be careful when reporting on such serious subject matter. Clicks should not eclipse care for our sources.
