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Interlochen Releases Misconduct Report; Band Director Resigns Amid Probe

8/7/2026

27 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Interlochen Releases Report

Interlochen Center for the Arts released a 97-page report on August 4 2026 documenting historic sexual misconduct.
The report includes 70 student accounts naming 47 adults—17 deceased—covering allegations from the 1950s to the 2010s and noting donor Jeffrey Epstein’s inappropriate contact with two students.
President Trey Devey apologized, created a counseling fund, and pledged to review naming honors in response to the findings.

Summary

Ross Resigns

John Stanley Ross resigned on July 8, 2026, effective July 9, before the required 14-day notice period could be completed.
Appalachian State University placed Ross on leave and issued a June notice of termination after a February probe found alleged misconduct.
The Charlotte Pride Band’s board announced it will not renew Ross’s contract when it expires at the end of the month.

History

Historical Context

Penn State’s 2011 child-sex abuse scandal—exposed in November 2011, leading to Jerry Sandusky’s 45-count conviction and a $60 million NCAA fine—triggered nationwide calls for stricter campus safeguards. Building on that precedent, Interlochen Center for the Arts’ 2026 97-page report named 47 adult abusers, prompting Appalachian State and other institutions to expand counseling funds, review honorific naming, and tighten oversight.

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Interlochen Releases Report

Interlochen Center for the Arts released a 97-page report on August 4 2026 documenting historic sexual misconduct.
The report includes 70 student accounts naming 47 adults—17 deceased—covering allegations from the 1950s to the 2010s and noting donor Jeffrey Epstein’s inappropriate contact with two students.
President Trey Devey apologized, created a counseling fund, and pledged to review naming honors in response to the findings.

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