Interlochen Center for the Arts Releases Investigation Revealing Decades of Sexual Abuse by Staff and Donors

An independent investigation commissioned by Interlochen Center for the Arts has unveiled approximately 70 firsthand accounts of sexual abuse perpetrated by adults associated with the prestigious Northern Michigan arts academy, with the majority of incidents documented as occurring before 2000. The probe identified 47 individuals accused of misconduct, roughly one-third of whom have since died. The report also documents allegations involving a major donor to the institution.

Investigation Scope and Findings

The investigation team conducted approximately 180 interviews with academy alumni and former staff members. Accounts of misconduct emerged from multiple locations, spanning both on-campus and off-campus settings. The breadth of the inquiry reflects the institution's effort to establish a comprehensive record of historical abuses and institutional failures to protect students.

Two alumni reported that a donor who contributed to Interlochen between 1990 and 2003 engaged in sexual conduct with them. Additional details regarding the scope of this donor's involvement and interactions remain part of the broader investigation findings.

Institutional Response and Accountability Measures

Interlochen's leadership released multiple statements accompanying the report's release. Trey Devey, president of the institution, characterized the documented abuse as contrary to the academy's foundational values, while emphasizing that the center will not tolerate predators or individuals who enable misconduct. Barrett Rollins, chair of the board, acknowledged that steps taken by the institution cannot reverse past harm but indicated the academy's commitment to creating safer conditions for future students and addressing the experiences of survivors who participated in the investigation.