Interlochen Center for the Arts Confronts Dark Past: The Truth Behind the Sexual Misconduct Report
The Interlochen Center for the Arts, a world-renowned sanctuary for creativity and artistic excellence, has taken a painful but necessary step toward transparency. The institution recently released the full findings of an exhaustive investigation into historical sexual misconduct that occurred on its campus, spanning its Academy and Camp.
Triggered by a report from an alumnus in 2024 regarding an incident from decades ago, Interlochen commissioned the Sanghavi Law Office to uncover the extent of the abuse. What emerged was a heartbreaking narrative of betrayal and systemic failure.
The Scope of the Investigation: Decades of Silence
The investigation was comprehensive, involving 180 interviews to document allegations stretching from the 1950s to the 2010s. The findings are staggering: 47 individuals associated with Interlochen were accused of engaging in sexual conduct with students during this period.
According to the report, the abuse manifested in various forms, including:
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- Grooming and inappropriate flirting.
- Comments and touching of a sexual nature.
- Non-consensual and coerced sexual intercourse.
- Long-term “relationships” based on power imbalances.
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These acts took place in a variety of locations, both on and off campus, including faculty houses, residence halls, school vehicles, and even during school-related trips, highlighting a pervasive environment where predators felt emboldened.
The Human Cost and the Jeffrey Epstein Connection
The impact on survivors has been described as “devastating.” Many former students reported ongoing PTSD, a total loss of interest in their academic pursuits, and the complete abandonment of their careers in the performing arts. For some, the trauma was so deep that they feared returning to the campus for reunions, haunted by the possibility of encountering their abusers.
Adding to the gravity of the report is the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s ties to Interlochen. Epstein was a donor between 1990 and 2003, funding scholarships and a lodge. Two alumni reported that Epstein engaged in physical contact of a sexual nature with them while on campus. In a symbolic move toward erasure, Interlochen renamed the associated building to Green Lake Lodge in 2009 and demolished it last month after allowing authorities to document the site for evidentiary use.
Accountability and Named Offenders
While many names remain confidential to protect victims and ongoing legal actions, Interlochen has identified several individuals. This includes those already convicted of crimes, such as Thomas Clower and Jeremy Eden, as well as deceased individuals whose conduct was repeated and pervasive, including former administrator Byron Hanson and trustee Charlie McWhorter.
Factors that Enabled the Abuse
The Sanghavi Law Office identified several systemic vulnerabilities that allowed this misconduct to persist:
- Power Dynamics: Significant imbalances between adult staff and young students.
- Isolation: Limited communication between students and their families.
- Lack of Oversight: Gaps in administrative supervision and a permissive culture.
- Reporting Barriers: Victims felt they had no safe way to report abuse.
A Commitment to Change and Healing
Interlochen President Trey Devey stated that the findings are “heartbreaking” and contrary to everything the institution stands for. To make amends and ensure this never happens again, Interlochen is implementing several critical measures:
- Financial Support: Establishing a dedicated fund to cover counseling costs for survivors.
- Systemic Reform: Strengthening reporting technologies and administrative oversight.
- Commemoration: Creating an arts installation to honor survivors.
- Institutional Review: Evaluating all naming recognitions to ensure they align with current values.
The institution emphasizes that today’s Interlochen is a vastly different place, with rigorous safety protocols in place to protect every student and camper. For those seeking further support or wishing to report experiences, resources are available through RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) and directly via the appointed investigators.
Interlochen continues to encourage anyone with additional information to contact Elizabeth Sanghavi at elizabeth@sanghavilawoffice.com through October 2026.
