Fire UC Davis orchestra conductor for sexual harassment and creating an unsafe environment
Fire UC Davis orchestra conductor for sexual harassment and creating an unsafe environment
The Issue
Christian Baldini, symphony conductor in the UC Davis Orchestra has sexually harassed a student. A student complained that Baldini kissed her on the cheek, touched her buttocks and texted her asking her to meet with him. He also called her a 'bad girl' in an office meeting. The student left UC Davis after the incident.
Baldini stated that he failed to recognize that his behavior 'could have a reaction in her that was unintended'. He called the incident a misunderstanding, stating that 'nothing sexual was intended'.
Baldini creates an unsafe and uncomfortable environment for UC Davis students, causing many to avoid joining orchestra in favor of ensembles with a better reputation. However, students in the music major are required to take orchestra classes despite discomfort with doing so.
Although Baldini has faced charges due to his actions, he retains his position as professor and conductor. Chancellor May says he would be likely to pursue Baldini's dismissal should he engage in similar misconduct in the future. However, this plan involves waiting for Baldini to sexually harass another student. Keeping a sexual predator in a position of academic authority reflects poorly on the university, and is deeply unfair to Baldini's future victims. Doing so would show that UC Davis doesn't care about its students' well-being and does nothing to prevent sexual harassment.
Removing him from his position would prevent him from sexually harassing more students, creating a far safer environment for those in orchestra and those wanting to join. It would make students feel more comfortable about the university's attitude towards sexual harassment, painting the school in a better light.
Links detailing his instances of sexual harassment can be found below:
https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/education/article191895539.html
The Issue
Christian Baldini, symphony conductor in the UC Davis Orchestra has sexually harassed a student. A student complained that Baldini kissed her on the cheek, touched her buttocks and texted her asking her to meet with him. He also called her a 'bad girl' in an office meeting. The student left UC Davis after the incident.
Baldini stated that he failed to recognize that his behavior 'could have a reaction in her that was unintended'. He called the incident a misunderstanding, stating that 'nothing sexual was intended'.
Baldini creates an unsafe and uncomfortable environment for UC Davis students, causing many to avoid joining orchestra in favor of ensembles with a better reputation. However, students in the music major are required to take orchestra classes despite discomfort with doing so.
Although Baldini has faced charges due to his actions, he retains his position as professor and conductor. Chancellor May says he would be likely to pursue Baldini's dismissal should he engage in similar misconduct in the future. However, this plan involves waiting for Baldini to sexually harass another student. Keeping a sexual predator in a position of academic authority reflects poorly on the university, and is deeply unfair to Baldini's future victims. Doing so would show that UC Davis doesn't care about its students' well-being and does nothing to prevent sexual harassment.
Removing him from his position would prevent him from sexually harassing more students, creating a far safer environment for those in orchestra and those wanting to join. It would make students feel more comfortable about the university's attitude towards sexual harassment, painting the school in a better light.
Links detailing his instances of sexual harassment can be found below:
https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/education/article191895539.html
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Petition created on December 21, 2021