This post was written in response to this comment, reproduced in full below. Content warning for descriptions of child sexual abuse that are not graphic but will likely be triggering for survivors, as I describe being groomed and abused from my point of view as a teenager.

To the owners of this blog:

It is good to see that you are trying to create a space for honest discussion and support. In light of this desire for honesty, I have a couple points of concern.

1) There is a difference between sexual communication and “sexual abuse” or “criminal behavior.” While I do not doubt the validity of your experiences, it is important for such distinctions to be made clear in order to best educate people on sexual misconduct.

2) Any research would quickly reveal that publishing a person’s full name and birth date in addition to unsubstantiated claims about sexual “abuse” and “criminal behavior” falls under the crime of Defamation under tort law. In addition to being a crime, such information does not hold significant value to the conversation that you are trying to have.

3) Note that the HoraceMann survivor blog is a space for healing and discussion – this page is essentially a hate page directed at a single individual and I’m sure we don’t want that.

In full support of improving sexual education at SAS, I would advise you to make a new, more suitable blog for genuine conversation about sexual misconduct and violence prevention in light of the concerns above.

-SAS Alumnus

Dear Concerned SAS Alumnus,

James Mikkelson sexually abused me while I was a minor.

Continue reading “Letter from a Survivor” →