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- Honest representation (May 5, 2009)
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In what will hopefully end a controversy that thrust the University of Wisconsin Marching Band into national headlines, Assistant Band Director Mike Lorenz has officially tendered his resignation.
In a letter to Mr. Lorenz, John Schaffer, the director of the UW School of Music, accepted his resignation Monday and outlined the terms of the remainder of Mr. Lorenz's employment. According to the letter, Mr. Lorenz will fulfill his "customary duties" as an assistant faculty associate until May 27, 2007, but he will not be allowed to travel with the Marching Band.
The band's "sexual hazing culture" came to light in October, after Chancellor John Wiley verbally reprimanded band members for their behavior during a road trip to Ann Arbor for a September football game.
In the ensuing controversy, it was revealed that an unnamed staff member — later identified as Mr. Lorenz — was also implicated in a sexual harassment complaint, though the details were withheld because of an ongoing investigation. Upon its completion, the investigation stated that, despite the inappropriate nature of Mr. Lorenz's behavior, his actions toward a female staff member during the band's September stay in Michigan did not constitute sexual harassment.
While we are glad Mr. Lorenz has accepted responsibility for his misconduct and took it upon himself to resign, we would prefer to see his resignation take effect immediately.
When the issue first drew attention, Mr. Wiley instituted an apparent zero-tolerance policy, threatening to "start over from scratch" with the band if any further incidents occurred. Considering how hard Chancellor Wiley came down on the students in the band last fall, we find it somewhat curious that Mr. Lorenz is being allowed to leave on his own terms. Allowing Mr. Lorenz continued interaction with the band seems to apply a double standard between band students and professional staff.
Since Mr. Lorenz has thus far failed to be a role model to band members, perhaps he should take the opportunity to set a good example and remove himself from the university rather than finish off the semester.
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Wrong.
The only mixed message is how the University allows convicted felons and others who aren’t exonerated of sexual harrassment charges to remain on staff, while someone who makes a clear error in judgement but is cleared of any charges is forced to leave.
Wiley’s just on his march against the band again.
As a member of the band for five years I would say that Mr. Lorenz is a very good role model. Somewhere in the privacy of a bar or hotel things got blown out of proportion between two 30+ year old adults who happen to work for the university.
When I was a student I felt perfectly comfortable sitting alone in a room with Mr. Lorenz. In my opinion this is just another incident of something being misinterpreted.
When the media blows things out of proportion everything is misinterpreted. Why would anyone want to hear what the Badger Herald Editorial Board wants to say about something they know nothing about.
“Mr. Lorenz has thus far failed to be a role model to band members”
How can you write that garbage, especially if you’re not in band? While I respect your right to an opinion, I don’t respect you telling lies about the band.
While I’ve only know Mr. Lorenz for a short while, I can honestly say that I’ve never met anyone who is as devoted to his work (with the possible exception of Mike Leckrone). This man does things that make the band run- scheduling appearances, chartering buses, and almost every logistical aspect of the UW Band. Every single member of the band is grateful to Mr. Lorenz.
I have never known this man to be anything but diligent, hard-working, and genuinely caring about the band and the welfare of its members. I have yet to find a single person in the band that thinks ill of him.
What has recently happened is regrettable, and the band will certainly feel his loss. However, I frankly don’t care what the Badger Herald Editorial Board thinks Mr. Lorenz should do, as they are far from qualified to pass judgement on a man they have never met from an organization that they seem to only to search for the worst in, because it makes a good story.
This paper has disappointed me time and again. This editorial is no different.
He may be a nice guy, yes. He may work hard, yes, but he made a mistake you just cannot do. This is the only charge that was reported; you have to wonder how many have been harassed by him and did not file a complaint. Maybe you should ask the victim what she thinks should happen to him.
I also believe that those who sexually harass and have done other sexual crimes have no play in the UW System. UW should crack down on those who commit crimes across the board.
Also, I left the marching band because of what goes on in that organization. More brainwashing went on there than when I was in the Army. If anyone in the School of Music has not known that hazing and harassment in the Marching Band for years, they are fools or turning a blind eye.
Now if he was a Professor or even an Instructor all would have been forgiven - but the Band - not with the Wiley vendetta going on.
2/16 @ 11:49am:
I highly doubt that there have been other harassment issues dealing with Mr. Lorenz. For one thing, word travels quickly about things of this sort, even if a person who is harassed doesn’t file a complaint- there are friends, family, sometimes other witnesses. Somehow, word of this gets out, and in our world of 24-hour media, the public will almost always catch wind of it.
I’m sure the victim is quite angry, as she’s totally within her right to be. Should she demand that he either resign or be fired? I think so, otherwise one has to question the validity of her statements. Should he resign immediately? Probably not, and obviously the University agrees. Removing Mr. Lorenz immediately cripples the band in getting to where it needs to go to fulfill obligations around the state. This would be punishing the many (the band and its fans) for the actions of one.
As to your statement about brainwashing, I find it highly improbable that the level of brainwashing in the Army. In fact, brainwashing requires some sort of forcefully-applied stress (physical or psychological) to systemically change attitudes or beliefs. I for one have not found any change in my attitude or belief system; I am still very much the same person I was before I joined the band. However, I must wonder about the level of brainwashing in the Army.
Since I have never served in the military, I am likely not the best source of thought on this matter. But from a very young age we are taught not to hurt other people, not to go near guns (at least I hope). Yet in the Army, these beliefs are altered where in some cases, people must be hurt or even killed, and the gun is one of the most important tools a soldier can have. This does sound a little like brainwashing.
Regarding your statement to the School of Music being unaware to the activities of the Band, I would counter that if the Athletic Department or various national Fraternity Councils did not know of the hazing and harassment in these organizations, then they must be fools or turning a blind eye as well.
The world must be full of idiots and blind people.
I’ve know Mr. Lorenz for 2 years now and even though I don’t excuse his behavior I think it is perfectly reasonable that he finish his duties for the semester. The man made huge mistake while representing the University and because of the nature of his mistake and especially since other employees that he would have to have future contact with to fulfill his job description, I agree with resignation. However I must point out that the investigation found that he broke no state laws and violated no UW policies. Furthermore, he can finish out the term without having to perform duties associated with responsibilities he can no longer be trusted to perform. Therefore it is not unreasonable that he finish the duties assigned to him when the investigation had not be completed.
Mike Lorez is a stand up sort of man that accepts his responsibility for both good and bad. He made a grave mistake and he will learn from his mistake. His immediate termination would only spite more of the university community who signed up for his classes in the good faith that he would be there for the entire term.
I have made my fair share of horrible mistakes and I’m grateful to my friends, family and God for forgiving me letting me make my amends. I wish the same for Mr. Lorez even though I know it would reckless to let him continue in similar duties here.