Interlochen historic abuse

A staffer left Interlochen amid abuse allegations. He later taught for decades and faced other allegations. His story is a part of a larger phenomenon some in education circles call "passing the harasser."

When popular band director John Stanley Ross left Interlochen Arts Academy in 2000, he wrote a letter attributing his departure to personal reasons. Until recently, Ross’s true reason for leaving has been unknown to the public. His story is a part of a larger phenomenon called "pass the harasser."

State Rep. Betsy Coffia is urging Grand Traverse County Prosecutor Noelle Moeggenberg to accept help from the Michigan Attorney General’s Office investigating past sexual abuse at Interlochen.

A devastating story, and our obligation to the public as journalists.

The report commissioned by Interlochen Center for the Arts details some 70 incidents of sexual abuse dating back to the 1950s. Grand Traverse County Prosecutor Noelle Moeggenberg confirmed that she’s looking into the cases that “may still be prosecuted.”

Interlochen Center for the Arts released the findings of an independent investigation that showed decades of sexual abuse committed by adults against students. Its current president talks to IPR.

The report was commissioned by Interlochen itself and released Tuesday. It documents 70 firsthand accounts of sexual abuse at the institution committed by 47 adults over the span of seven decades.