Statement on WGI’s Suspension of Diamante
Recently, WGI suspended Diamante from participation as a result of an investigation into sexual misconduct allegations towards “members of its primary administrative and design staff.” We agree with this decision and commend WGI for taking action in the best interest of the community’s safety and well-being. We noticed the statement was vague and would like to clarify the nature of the allegations in the interest of transparency with the community.
The allegations of sexual misconduct were directed at Mario Ramirez. Mario held most positions of power in the organization including Executive Director, Director of Guards, Design Staff, and a regular instructional staff role. The allegations against Mario include numerous accounts of sexual harrassment spanning several years as well as grooming others into inappropriate sexual relationships with him. These allegations span many years and many people. Some community members chose to publicly speak on the allegations and gave their permission for the content of their posts to be added to this statement. Please keep in mind the following statements in the gallery view were written by these community members and their content is unedited by MAASIN volunteers.
Content warning: these statements discuss sexual assault and sexual harassment. Please engage with this material in a way that is healthy for you.
When we believe survivors of sexual misconduct and have proper processes, we can keep each other safe. Survivors of sexual misconduct know what happened to them. The investigation into Diamante was able to occur because multiple community members stepped forward to report to WGI themselves or sought support in reporting from others such as us at MAASIN. Reporting can be incredibly daunting and even retraumatizing. No one should ever be pressured into reporting before they are ready but we can all do the work to create an environment where reporters are empowered and supported throughout the entire process. When reporters are ready to speak we must also be ready to listen.
If you’re ready to listen to survivors you should consider how you and other community members in your corner of the activity can act. Here are some suggestions:
Review your organization’s reporting process and see where you can make improvements
Intervene when you hear victim-blaming to let others know it’s inappropriate and will not be tolerated
If you require SafeSport, have a group meeting to debrief and discuss what you learned after
Critically think about your organization’s culture and consider whether there are traditions or attitudes better left in the past
Learn your circuit’s reporting process to help guide others if they need support
Learn how MAASIN can support you and your community by providing workshops and direct, confidential support to reporters
If you’re ready to speak, or think you will be one day, know that you are the authority on your experience. There are people who can and will help if you need it. Talk to others you trust and remember the MAASIN Whistleblower Support Committee is always available at report@maasin.net. The MAASIN Whistleblower Support program assists community members in reporting adverse experiences. We prize confidentiality and our reporter-centered model where the reporter has full agency over the use of their information. We assist in whatever ways the reporter sees fit including but not limited to: finding local sexual assault and legal support resources, helping to review their reports before they submit them, writing reports for submission on their behalf with their approval, joining reporters for meetings with other organizations as a support person, and supporting them in publicly speaking about their experience if they feel it is necessary.
We hope the many amazing people at Diamante are able to find a new home this season or the space to heal. Good luck to everyone as we head into WGI auditions.
Sincerely,
The MAASIN Whistleblower Support Committee