Missbrauch-Skandal im US-Schach
"Die Spielerinnen wählen ihren Coach": Dem US-Verband waren bekannt, dass mir Ramirez etwas im Argen liegt, trotzdem durfte er Nationalcoach werden. Schutz der Spielerinnen kommt im Statement des US-Verbands nicht vor. Entsprechend die Reaktionen:
It's hard to imagine a more mealy-mouthed attempt to squirm out of taking responsibility. What is the ******* point of a governing body if it does not govern? Who in the USCF was aware of these allegations? If I was a USCF member I would be seeking answers https://t.co/Y6OWmWpO7V
— Malcolm Pein (@TelegraphChess) March 10, 2023
Das US-Frauen-Team hat Ramirez zu seinem Coach gemacht? Und der US-Verband hat es geschehen lassen? https://t.co/Ndd08l6O4t
— Perlen vom Bodensee (@Bodenseeperlen) March 10, 2023
Die Tageszeitung "Saint Louis Today" durchleuchtet abermals den Fall Ramirez, holt Stimmen aller Beteiligter ein - und präsentiert drei weitere mutmaßliche Opfer:
Derweil meldet sich Magnus Carlsens Schwester Ellen zu Wort:
Noe av det fine, men dessverre også vanskelige, med sjakken er jo at man møtes på tvers av aldersgrupper og kjønn. Det kan kanskje derfor trenges en påminner om at likemannheten over brettet ikke må tas med ut i verden. Barn er fortsatt barn selv om de spiller sjakk med voksne!
— Ellen Carlsen (@ellenoec) February 17, 2023
Auch sie gibt an, als Kind von einem Mann belästigt geworden zu sein. Sie habe wiederholt Anrufe und Textnachrichten des Mannes bekommen. Die beiden waren einander am Brett begegnet, hatten hinterher gemeinsam analysiert, danach begann die Belästigung.
https://www.chess.com/news/view/ellen-carlsen-reports-harassment-after-shahade-tweet?ref_id=43524416
"When you are young, you feel that it's your own mistake, and that you behaved in a way that makes the person think you want to be friends. That responsibility that you shouldn't contact a minor at all should lay with the adult. It's not okay."
Hohn und Spott in den Sozialen Medien hat sich der US-Verband mit seinem "final statement" in der Causa Ramirez eingehandelt. Eine nicht genannte "dritte Partei" habe den Fall "unabhängig" untersucht - und sei, Überraschung!, zu dem Ergebnis gekommen, dass der US-Verband zeitig gehandelt und auch ansonsten alles richtig gemacht habe.
Offensichtlich ist das nicht der Fall. Der US-Verband war erst tätig geworden, nachdem Jennifer Shahade sich öffentlich über dessen Aussitzen der Sache beklagt hatte. Mehrere mediale Recherchen haben ergeben, dass Alejandro Ramirez' Fehlverhalten sich über Jahre zog und seitens des Verbands nicht unbemerkt geblieben war. Dazu steht im "final statement" nichts.
Das Statement:
US Chess Final Statement About Alejandro Ramirez Investigation
US Chess launched an investigation in late 2022 when it received formal complaints from two
individuals alleging sexual misconduct by GM Alejandro Ramirez. The primary focus of this
investigation was to determine when US Chess had knowledge of the various allegations and what
responsive actions US Chess took. The third party, independent investigation is complete, and,
based on the information received, the third party concluded that the US Chess response was timely and appropriate regarding the reports it received about Ramirez’s conduct. Our focus now is
implementing specific action steps to build a safe, welcoming environment for the future. The
investigation report will not be released due to the confidential nature of the witness statements.
First, as a result of the investigation, the Executive Board has voted to both ratify the
resignation of GM Ramirez and permanently ban GM Ramirez from being a US Chess member.
Second, US Chess is committed to zero-tolerance of sexual and other similar misconduct by anyone
within the organization or participating at US Chess sanctioned events. To that end, in 2019 US
Chess created and implemented the “Guidelines on Safe Play and Conduct at US Chess National Events” (Safe Play) to provide additional guidance about unacceptable behavior not covered by existing policies within US Chess. We will continue to focus on change based on feedback we receive from the public and the chess community, as well as from existing best practices found in other
organizations.
Moving forward, we are committed to taking the following steps:
- Revise and extend Safe Play policies to all US Chess sanctioned events.
- Adopt membership agreements that require affiliates and individuals to comply with all US Chess policies, including those related to Safe Play and the Code of Ethics.
- Review all internal policies and procedures such as coach selection processes and employment practices contained in the Employee Handbook.
- Adopt a training and education program around Safe Play. The training will be a required element for Tournament Director certification at various levels.
- Develop event communications outlining the Safe Play Guidelines and Code of Ethics, specifically identifying prohibited conduct and appointing a contact person for complaints and concerns (which will be specific to each event).
- Provide resources for minors regarding behavioral expectations, as well as review our current background screening policies to determine whether and what restrictions to impose on prospective or existing coaches and tournament staff with a record of, for example, crimes involving minors, sexual assaults, and similar offenses.
- Appoint an advisory group to assist with evolving and implementing changes identified by the independent investigation.
- Ensure our members are aware of resources available to them, including the anonymous abuse email and hotline for reporting concerns or complaints.