https://kdhx.org/articles/inside-kdhx/3031-open-letter-to-the-community
Open Letter to the Community
We are writing to you not only as staff
members and volunteers of KDHX but also as people who share the KDHX community.
This is a community that we have all built together, and it is one that many of
us rely on for connection. For many, including ourselves, KDHX serves as a
source of joy, a wellspring of creativity, and a shining example of what media
can be when free of commercial interests.
We have decided to speak openly about the
dismissal, on February 28, of Tom “Papa” Ray from his show The Soul Selector in
order to correct any misconceptions as to why it took place. We also feel that
if we do not offer a clear account, the behaviors that he has exhibited will
continue to be perpetuated by others, as evidenced by reactions from some
members of the public since the news of his dismissal.
Tom Ray was removed from his volunteer role
at KDHX because of a long history of bullying, aggression and harassment toward
certain members of the KDHX staff and even some board members. He was not
dismissed over one incident or issue but because of ongoing, problematic
behavior. Members of the staff and the Board of Directors can attest to this
pattern. He was given many opportunities, including mediated conflict
resolution, to demonstrate that he was willing and able to work with KDHX in a
constructive way.
We know this description of Tom Ray is
probably difficult for some to hear. In the entire history of KDHX, only a
handful of volunteers have been asked to leave the air. Given Tom Ray’s long
history and his popularity, we did not make this decision lightly and this is
not the outcome we had hoped for. However, we can no longer tolerate behavior
that negatively affects others at KDHX and the organization itself.
Over the course of KDHX’s history, whenever
a “controversial” situation has occurred, we have witnessed extreme and
shocking reactions from some of our listeners. Some have been explicitly
misogynistic and contain threats of violence, including death threats. In
recent years, such responses have been amplified by social media and even local
media outlets that are not in full possession of the facts. Unfortunately, we
are witnessing this in full force once again this week, which has prompted the
disclosure you are reading.
Are the intense reactions to decisions made
at KDHX because people feel so strongly about the station? Yes, that is
certainly part of it. Over the years, we have had countless conversations with
listeners who want to share how much KDHX means to them. They express a deep
emotional connection to the station itself and the people they hear on the air.
We also recognize that when one has a strong emotional connection, change can
spark fear—the fear that the connection you have will be altered, that the
things you love and appreciate about KDHX might end.
A fear of change—and disagreement about why
or how that change takes place—is entirely
understandable, but it does not warrant abusive and threatening behavior
and language toward the KDHX staff, the Board or volunteers. A fear of change
most certainly warrants asking questions and offering feedback in a
constructive way. We will always answer your questions. You may not always get
the answer you want to hear, but we will respond to you.
We know it takes a lot to trust people you
don’t know personally, but please know that both the staff and the governing
board keep the station’s best interest and the mission at the forefront of all
that we do. We are working diligently to ensure that KDHX thrives now and in
years to come. We are glad to be a part of a community that values kindness,
mutual respect and creative collaboration. And we thank our listeners for their
patience, understanding and constructive dialogue so that KDHX can continue to
be here for everyone.
Kelly Wells, Executive Director
Andrea Dunn, Director of Donor Relations
Ronnie Wisdom, Director of Media
Communications
Joan Bray, Board President
Gary Pierson, Board Vice President
Nelie McNeal, Board Treasurer
