I recently reached out to Dr. Mary deYoung, Professor Emerita of Sociology at Grand Valley State University and author of The Day Care Ritual Abuse Moral Panic. Over the course of her career, she has published extensively on child sexual abuse, moral panics, and the social responses to these issues. Her research is widely cited in both academic and advocacy contexts, and she has contributed to shaping how institutions and the public understand the dynamics of abuse and exploitation.

Dr. Mary deYoung took the time to share her thoughts with me on the more controversial aspects of this petition. Since she responded directly to my perspective, I’m including my full question below so readers can fully understand the context.

Me: Some worry my decision to name the abusers on the plaque may be counterintuitive/counterproductive. I feel as if child sexual abusers are not comparable to criminals like mass shooters, they do not seek infamy and would hate their names being published in association with their crimes. Furthermore, I feel it honors the boys (now men) who came forward and had the courage to accuse those men. Do you see my decision as valid?

   Dr. Mary deYoung: I support your decision to name the alleged abusers. I say "alleged" only because Richards was the only one ever prosecuted. In my experience, the first steps towards justice, if not reconciliation, is to give the experiences of survivors of sexual assault a name, a time, a place, and a naming of those who created all of the conditions that made their abuse possible. And "naming" also does validate those who have already come forward. Perhaps it will encourage others as well.  

Could you get in trouble legally since Shelden and Grossman were never charged? I wondered about that, but I'm not a lawyer so I can't answer that question. You may want to seek advice on that point. And, there are always ways to reword the dedication that will not undermine your purpose.

   (Note: Dr. deYoung highlights here the importance of careful legal framing, particularly since not all of the men were charged. I take that caution seriously, and will seek legal input to ensure this effort is handled responsibly.)

Me: Some fear this memorial and the process itself may simply "open old wounds" for the survivors. I feel as if those wounds likely never closed, likely because justice was never met, and therefore cannot be "re-opened." This memorial is an effort to acknowledge that fact. What are your thoughts on this?

   Dr. Mary deYoung: I wonder if "old wounds" of this type ever really close? I watched the boys, now men, who were interviewed in the "Children of the Snow" documentary and their wounds seemed awfully raw. Acknowledgement or silence? The former is not perfect because it will hurt some survivors who are unwilling or not ready to deal with this; the latter is unacceptable and does nothing but perpetuate more of the same. 

Me: I feel some may think a bench and plaque will do nothing whatsoever for the survivors. I feel as if it is a very simple method of validating their pain and forced silence. It is not intended to erase the trauma, or make them feel "oh so jolly" over it. It is a simple means of saying, "you are not forgotten. There are people that care. There are people learning from what you went through, they hurt for you, they want change to make sure this doesn't happen again because of you."

How do you feel about this?

   Dr. Mary deYoung: I agree with your assertion—a plaque and a bench "validate," perhaps nothing more than that, but that would be the "first step" I mentioned in answer to your first question. We have so much work to do in this case, but now feels like the right time. "Epstein Island"? Damn right we should be talking about that and demanding answers. We need to do the same thing with North Fox Island.

Thanks for reaching out. I hope I've positively contributed to the discussion and to your mission.

                              (End of Interview)

I am grateful to Dr. deYoung for lending her expertise to this cause. Her insights affirm that a simple act of remembrance can be a powerful first step toward validation and healing. For those who have considered signing but have concerns, I hope her perspective helps clarify the importance of this memorial. If you feel this is a worthy cause, please consider joining us in this effort to honor the survivors and ensure their story is never forgotten.