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taylorroger-s · 4 years

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𝔢𝔵 𝔫𝔦𝔥𝔦𝔩𝔬 // a six underground story

----- ｐｒｏｌｏｇｕｅ -----

a/n i don’t want to preface this too much but this isn’t really a fanfic? there’s no pairing at the focus, and it’s really just a story in the 6u world because there is no way i’m letting micheal bay waste the potential of 6u. I worked extremely hard on this and the later missions and i’m really proud of it! so i hope you enjoy, there is much more to come! so here’s my masterlist, and no warnings except for swearing. enjoy :)

‎

𝚗𝚎𝚊𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚐𝚞𝚐𝚐𝚎𝚗𝚑𝚎𝚒𝚖 𝚖𝚞𝚜𝚎𝚞𝚖, 𝙽𝚈𝙲 ----------

‎

“nine, you have to get out of there.” one hisses into his headset, drawing the attention of the waiting driver. she rolls her eyes, anxiously scanning the block for any law enforcement or her team.

“you think i don’t fucking know that? but y’all better get your asses over here. feds are swarming even on the other side of the park.” nine gritts her teeth at every police cruiser slithering by, their flashing lights only adding to her growing anxiety.

“my hands are kinda full right now!” four shouts, breathing heavily into his microphone. things went south fast, and even their planned escape had been shaky at best. the mission failed and they need to get out of the city fast.

“get over here, and i’ll get you out. remember, i’m on columbus and west 92nd in front of the party city. ten minutes. now make like ghosts and disappear.”

‎

𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚑 & 𝚏𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚍𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚕𝚒𝚎𝚛, 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚜𝚘𝚞𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚗 𝚗𝚎𝚋𝚛𝚊𝚜𝚔𝚊

‎

tires squealed against the beat-up asphalt as two early model corvettes shot down an empty stretch of highway 75. bitter cold nebraska winter winds cut through to the bone as the pair curved around a rough bend of road surrounded on both sides by sprawling fields. the sun hung low on the horizon, struggling to light up the endless farmland. the only sound within ten miles was the roar of combustion engines mingling with crickets chirping as they passed by.

“cmon,” a woman muttered to her car, eyes narrowed as she scanned the makeshift racetrack. she couldn’t make out the taunt called out to her from the other driver, responding only with a raised middle finger and a sharp push on the accelerator. her car’s heavily modified engine purred under her touch, advancing on her opponent’s ride.

a window of opportunity finally appeared before her. she was no more than a foot behind him, another bend visible in her peripheral vision. exhaling slowly, she brought her left foot from hovering over the clutch to the brake. the turn came closer, wrapping around a hill. she could just about hear the squeal of her opponent’s brakes, pressing on her brake at the same time. they hurtled around the bend at dangerous speeds. coming out of the turn, her opponent switched his right foot from the brake to the gas pedal to accelerate out of the turn. but her foot was already there, giving her just a fraction of a second edge over his car. her ride edged up on his, a devilish grin spreading across her lips.

just as her dark red car was about to overtake his, the flash of distant headlights made them both freeze. she wanted to scream in frustration, but there was no time to think, lest she wanted to risk a head on collision. she very reluctantly pulled in behind his car, various scenarios for vengeance cycling through her head. their race was over. she had lost.

the semi truck passed them by without a second look, and after a few minutes the pair pulled into a decades old rest stop. the woman ran her fingers across the smooth dashboard of her car, thumb brushing over a small mark right by the unused radio. they made it fifteen miles before their race was rudely interrupted. a sudden knock on the windshield stirred her from her thoughts.

“too slow once again darling.” the man cooed, poisonous edge to his words. that was the third race she’d lost to him in six weeks. it was starting to damage her reputation as a notorious street racer in an innocuous corner of small-town america. the mechanics shop she worked for was the not-so-clever front of their racing circle - essentially the only friends she had - wherein she was the best. at least until that start up showed his face in gretna, nebraska- of all places.

“oh fuck off.” she grumbled, keeping her eyes trained on the last rays of the sun sinking below the horizon, plunging the rest stop into a chilling darkness. the sky was just beginning to show the shimmer of distant stars, rolling across the countryside in a thick blanket of night. constellations blinked into existence against the dark. a saying from her latin classes in college came to mind: natura non constristatur. nature doesn’t give a shit about you.

“as you wish. same time next week?” her rival called, already waltzing back to his car, hood shimmering silver in the burgeoning moonlight, a small rosary and fuzzy dice hanging from his rear view mirror. it was about ten years newer than hers, but not nearly as slick. at least in her opinion.

“one week and i’m gonna destroy your ass.” she responded, words almost drowned out by the subsequent start of his decades old engine. he loudly revved it a few times, overtaking any words she could possibly try to curse him with. there were a few choice latin phrases she had stored up.

“in your dreams!” he shouted, pulling onto the road and heading north, back to her hometown. and so she was left alone with her thoughts, only finding company in the infinite sky and hum of wildlife. the cold winter night started to pick away at her fading adrenaline, causing her teeth to quietly chatter as her eyes stayed focused on the heavens. what was she doing? she would never get out of nebraska, and her life would all be for nothing. but before she could fully spiral into existentialism, the allure of her bed came to mind; an area much more comfortable than the freezing drivers seat of her 1986 corvette.

she tore her eyes away from the nighttime sky with a huff, hand drifting to the gearshift. she started the engine, slowly moving the car into reverse. she didn’t think to check in the rearview mirror until a shout rang out over the hum. she slammed her foot on the brake, just before hitting whoever decided to fucking walk behind a moving car. the anger slowly simmering below the skin after her loss decided to boil over. she hopped out of the car before she even turned off the engine to tell off the prick who decided to ruin her moping.

"what the fuck man?” she was fuming so much the mystery figure could probably see the smoke pouring from her ears. she couldn’t quite make out their face since the only lamp within five miles lit them from behind. crossing her arms over her chest, she leaned against the trunk of the car, glaring at the intruder while she waited for an answer.

“wasn’t expecting that reaction. hello-” okay so definitely a guy, she thought, squinting harder to try and make out his face. he brushed off his pants before looking up at her, face obscured by shadow and sunglasses. at night. the tone of his voice irked her; infuriatingly playful even in the weird circumstances.

“what the hell are you doing out here?” she growled, bracing her hands on the burnished metal of her car. her nails tapped rhythmically against it, shifting her expression to appear as calm and intimidating as possible. there wasn’t another car visible in the parking lot as far as she could tell, and the man certainly didn’t appear to be a fallen angel. how and why was he there? but there was another, more concerning question picking at her mind: if he was there for her, how did he find her?

“is that how you always greet strangers?” the man quipped, still avoiding her question. a stranger was exactly what he was. general knowledge suggested to not talk to strangers, especially in an empty rest stop parking lot. in the middle of nowhere. fear crept up on her as the man smiled, whispering worries in her ear the longer he dodged her questions.

“what do you want?” she gritted her teeth, fingers slowly curling into fists. her instincts kicked into high gear as he took a few steps closer. his hands were tucked into his back pockets, and he looked disturbingly nonchalant as he approached her.

"heard about your racing. pretty good from what i’ve heard." now that threw her for a loop. why did he want to hear about her racing? however, logic was soon overshadowed by a wave of pride and she lifted her chin, looking straight into the man’s eyes through his sunglasses. it was too dark to glean anything from his expression, but she didn’t waver. she was better than pretty good.

"the best. now who's asking?" she nearly spat the last words out through gritted teeth, pushing off the car and taking a step forward. the man smiled at her bravado, crossing his arms over his chest.

"i have a job for you." she scoffed, shaking her head. it suddenly popped into her mind that he could be a criminal looking for a getaway driver or a scapegoat. but the seed of curiosity burrowing inside her brain won out.

"so you mind going into specifics?" she questioned him with heavy doubt in her voice.

"not here cupcake. but i need a driver.” the illegal path seemed more and more likely. ‘not here’ oh yeah, not suspicious at all. she was tempted to shut the conversation straight down and run, but there was nothing she could really lose by hearing more. worst case scenario, she gets frostbite and maybe put on a hit list. best case? there was no way of knowing.

"and why me?"

"like you said, you’re the best. and you have next to nothing tying you here. your skill is being wasted, but i can fix that. i can give you a cause to believe in. so how would you like a chance to actually change the world?" that stopped her. she hadn’t done anything worthwhile in a very, very long time. and believing in something? that was a distant memory. she didn’t believe in this man either.

"aquila non capit muscas. i’m not here for your nonsense.” she was aware that quoting her latin professor would earn herself an eye roll from the mystery man, but she wasn’t in the mood for pleasantries nor dreamy exaggerations. she was starting to think he was insane. and yet, something in his words tugged at her heart. he sounded suddenly sincere. it was like he had read her mind.

“okay shakespeare, there certainly is some nonsense in this offer, sure. but it’s your best shot to get out of here. i am offering you freedom from everything holding you back.” five seconds passed. ten. fifteen. thirty. she mulled over his words over and over again, quickly disregarding how horribly vague they were. there really was no reason to take him seriously, and he had provided no details into this “job” which was starting to sound more and more illegal.

still. she turned to look at her car, scanning all its dents and imperfections. so many memories, so much history that had slowly made her jaded and cynical. so much to break free from. even though there was no evidence that this job was worth it, or that his promise of freedom rang true, she was tired of the bullshit.

“i’m listening.” a sharp smile spread across his lips, and he nodded.

"good. but there's one thing i need you to do before we get started. i need you to die"

-----

hey mary, and whoever else is reading. i guess this is goodbye. sorry you had to find out this way.

it doesn’t matter what i once wanted to be. i didn’t get it. but this is what i want. i promise. i’m sorry to ghost you. but this is what’s right for me. see you on the flip side.

faking her death was almost disturbingly simple. a burning car at the base of a ravine, suicide note found just outside the melted frame. no reason to pursue an investigation. attending her funeral was the most surreal part. until then, the weight of her decision hadn't felt real. she watched as her sister, her coworkers, and even her racing rival said their last goodbyes at what they thought was her final resting place. she couldn’t watch anymore when her sister began to sob, and the man, who had identified himself as one, dragged her away before she had a chance to break down

the night before she faked her death, she sat on her bedroom floor, chopping off locks of hair and silently contemplating what she was about to do. the rules that one gave her were simple in theory, but horribly complicated in reality.

cities you have never been to. people you have never met. numbers instead of names. only talk to your fellow ghosts. plural. she was about to be thrown in with a band of hungry revolutionaries with similar shady pasts. at least, she assumed that's who she would find once one took her to the last home she would ever know. last home. she cycled through the pros and cons for the hundredth time, weighing them over and over.

no more taxes. no more criminal background. no crazy ex chasing her. no expectations to leave behind. pure freedom, if she followed the rules of course. the homegrown american girl she once was would die, and in her place: nine.

cons? those were a little more iffy. her sister mary was a senior in highschool and just turned 18. mary was all she had left, and vice versa. even though mary was technically an adult and could fend for herself, she still felt guilty. more of her hair fluttered to the ground. if she was going to have a new name, she might as well get new hair. it was rough around the edges, horribly uneven, and made it look as though she had lost a fight with a weed whacker. fitting.

not too long after, she was in a plane on her way to nowhere. she was completely alone in the cabin, one piloting from the cockpit. nine was mesmerized by the sprawling land thousands of feet below as they moved west. it was her first, but definitely not her last time on a plane.

was it insane? yes. was it almost a certain ticket to an actual early grave? definitely. and yet, every time she finished looking through her list, there was only one outcome that came out of it all. a death with more meaning than her life would ever bring. she would miss her sister, and the few friends left behind, but for the first time in a long time, the apathy faded away.

‎

𝚏𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚍𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚛, 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚗𝚒𝚊 𝚍𝚎𝚜𝚎𝚛𝚝 ----------

‎

“alright motherfuckers, i finally got our asses a driver.” one called out into the dark belly of the old aircraft, lit only by a few glowing screens. nine followed him in, holding tight to her small duffel bag full of the only possessions one let her take, the logo of her high school plastered on the side.

“wow, only took you six months.” one flipped on a light switch, turning on a few lightbulbs in the center of the room, illuminating six figures gathered around a rusted metal table. each one looked like they were from a completely different planet.

“thank you for the attitude four, i hate it.” one cheerfully pointed to a chiseled blond man wearing a worn blue hoodie. she assumed rightly that he was four, and based on the accent, also british. she idly wondered how he ended up in the same place she was, or in the same place as the rest of one’s mismatched crew. a crew that she was now a part of.

“six was already too fucking much. then seven. and now eight.” a slightly scary, tall blonde woman spoke, thick french accent coating her words. despite the venom, it almost looked like she had never moved her lips, an eerily blank expression stuck on her face. nine suddenly felt extraordinarily childish with her “gretna dragons” bag, the faded green fabric full of pulled strings and various stains. just the way she stood make nine feel in over her head. one took it all in stride.

“well i don’t see you volunteering to give up your handguns and get in the driver's seat, and eventually you agreed to eight for the same reason, so shush.” nine looked between one and two, and their silent standoff. two rolled her eyes, essentially surrendering to nine’s presence. nine let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding. she had a feeling it would be a shit idea to be on that woman’s bad side.

“this is nine. nine, this is two, three, four, five, seven, and eight.” one pointed to them each in turn: the tall blonde woman, a hispanic man with a full beard, the startlingly attractive blond man, a woman with aviator sunglasses hanging from her shirt, a tall dark-skinned man who seemed much less stony than the others, and a tall girl wearing an excessive amount of leather. but there was something else that worried her more than the mismatched group one presented. a number was skipped.

“wait, could i get a quick rundown of who does what?” nine assumed there was a reason for each person to be there.

“i’m a billionaire and…”

“i’m blaine. that’s camille, javier, billy, amelia, and sofia” seven - blaine - cut one off. nine was caught off guard; it seemed one declined to mention that ‘numbers instead of names’ were more of a formality for the rest of the team. the rules she was told must have been one’s original vision.

“seven-” one tried to silence blaine, but was stopped with a glare. apparently one was equally against the names as seven was with numbers. it was intriguing, but nine wasn’t willing to dig further into his mind, nor was she okay with sharing her name. she wanted to leave everything behind.

“nope, she’s part of the team now. numbers are for missions. what’s your name?” she seized up, eyes moving to each person to identify names with faces, something she had never been good at. numbers just seemed so much simpler.

“no.” nine responded flatly, crossing her arms over her chest. seven froze, but held his hands up in surrender. one nodded approvingly to nine, and continued with his explanation of everyone’s roles.

“she knows what’s up. now, two is the spy, three is the hitman, four is the skywalker…” though one’s titles didn’t give extraordinary detail, having ‘the skywalker’ as a job description was simply puzzling.

“the hell does that mean?” she asked, eyes flicking just for a moment over to four before returning to one.

“he does parkour, five is the doctor, seven is the sniper, eight is the scout, and you are…” one continued without missing a breath, and nine suspected he predicted that question. four caught her eye and winked.

“the driver?” the sly smiles suddenly slipped from the ghost’s faces as they exchanged guarded looks. nine had a sinking feeling as to why.

“that was six, our last driver. let’s hope you avoid the same fate.” his grim words carried a little-too-lighthearted tone. well that’s reassuring, she thought. not worrying at all. one rubbed his hands together, walking over to one of the walls in their airplane shell meeting room. nine pieces of paper were on the wall, eight of them with roman numerals going up from two, and one with a photo of a man who had a giant red x on his face. his face tugged at nine’s memory. he must have been on the news. this operation might just be bigger than she expected.

“gather around the fire, cleavers, target two. corporate mogul noah kenneth carpenter,” one took down the page labeled “ii” and behind it hung a photo of the titular capitalistic businessman. nine felt like she was about to hurl. she knew that face. any guilt for leaving faded away in one fell swoop; this was the vengeance she yearned for. her sister mourned her loss, but nine could now strike back stronger than the girl she was could ever dream of.

“been accused of fraud, sexual harassment, shady international dealings, labor abuse. textbook scumbag, yet rich enough to keep himself in the clear. and we’re going to take him down. there are three simple steps, except there’s more than three and they’re not simple.” there was a beat of silence after that, which nine used to take a closer look at her new teammates. three had his feet propped up on the table, two standing behind his chair with her hand on his shoulder. four leaned forward on his elbows, green eyes focused on one. five had her arms crossed over her chest, and seven had his attention focused on one’s presentation, posture perfectly straight.

“what’s the first of these not-so-simple steps?” eight asked, picking at the thin blade of a small knife in her hands. she was a step behind the others, on the other side of seven. no longer the newest on the team, but still separate from what nine could tell. she couldn’t help but feel for the other girl.

“glad you asked kiddo,” one grinned, a dangerous edge to his expression. “nine, i’m assuming you heard of the major disruption of the peace in florence eight months ago, and the subsequent coup in turgistan?” there was something bordering pride in his voice. nine could see small, sharp smiles from the ghosts as they glanced to each other.

“vaguely, not much international shit made its way to me.” that was true. local news stations only showed things like county fairs and local robberies on the rare occasions nine would turn on the tv, and she didn’t care enough to go in search of global issues that didn’t concern her.

“well that was us, and this is about to be on a similar scale. except for the unstable geopolitical aftermath. probably.” nine raised her eyebrows. it was difficult to wrap her head around these six underground vigilantes rocking the boat with nothing but varying, potentially deadly, specializations. it made her even more curious as to what she could do with them, and what she could do to noah carpenter.

“anyway, the mission. the ultimate goal is to get him locked away, preferably not dead so he can rot in federal prison, but you can never tell with two and three on the squad,” two and three glared at one in unison, three miming slitting someone’s throat, but one just smiled. nine was starting to catch on to the group dynamics.

“but before kenny can get a messy prison tat, we have to dig up some major dirt on him. something to destroy his legacy, drag his company through the mud, take away everything he took from the people.” nine could feel a dark smile spreading across her lips. a cause to believe in indeed.

“so, there’s a big tech meeting thing in new york next month, and we are going to be there, along with mister exploitation over here,” one gestured crudely to the photo of carpenter pinned roughly to the thin wall. the sneer on the businessman’s face made nine’s blood boil. she was already on board with whatever the plan was going to be, and couldn’t wait to lend her driving skills to take him down.

“what skyscraper am i crawling up now?” four sounded uninterested, cocking his head to the side.

“it’s the guggenheim, and you’re not exactly crawling, more like sneaking. step one is going to be infiltrating. i have gotten intel saying that some shady deal is going down between him and a foreign mogul guy. we need to hear it all. the following missions are a little more iffy, and if we don’t find any dirt or evidence… well this is gonna take longer than anticipated.”

“this is almost as vague as our last plan.” three quipped, idly invested in the small pistol in his palm. he aimed it at various spots around the room with disinterest, to which everyone responded by ducking and dodging his aim.

“and that’s how i like it. no logical order means no one will expect what is coming.” nine just blinked at one in astonishment. her fantasies of justice tilted towards the farfetched with one’s confident admission of having no foolproof evidence to jump off of.

“doesn’t that make it harder for us?” nine asked, unsettled by how calm everyone else seemed to be. her initial worries about one’s offer being vague came back to the forefront of nine’s mind. her instincts on the night she met one might have been more accurate than she realized, but she was in much too deep to change her mind.

“you get used to it,” two admitted. nine almost flinched when she heard the slightly scary blonde woman speak. the comfort caught nine off guard more than two’s words.

“now here is what our first mission is gonna play out…” one pulled out blueprints from a box under the table. pens and sharpies in hand, he started to draw out how their mission would go. he was about to start talking when he looked over his shoulder to see nine still standing a few feet from the group. he flashed her a winning smile and beckoned nine forward. the rest of the group was facing her, softening towards their newest ghost. here goes nothing.

nine took a deep breath in, then out, and took a step forward, officially leaving the past behind and entering her new death.

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yaydyfyaydfyasoudfhasode it’s posted!!! I have the first chapter underway and way too many ideas for how this is going to go. but here’s some hints for the future: a sparring scene, city traffic, hiding in a castle and much tension to come! stay tuned :)

lmk if you want to be on the taglist!

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asexual-hugger · 4 years

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3 YEARS AGO

Allison McQueen sits alone at a table by the window at the library downtown, a criminal justice textbook in front of her. The words blur on the page before her eyes. She pauses to run her hands down her face and then picks up a pen, twirling it in her fingers. A half-written page in her notebook stares up at her.

“An eye for an eye, as the Code says.”

“Huh?”

She glances up abruptly to find a blond boy about her age looking down at her, a lopsided smirk on his face. “Your textbook.” He nods at it. “You must be studying criminal law.”

“Oh! Right.” She flushes. “I’m actually studying to be a crime scene investigator. I always found the work fascinating.”

“Hm.” A thoughtful look crosses his handsome features. “Crime scene investigation, eh? How...unusual. You do know it’s nothing like what you see on the telly, right?”

“Of course. My professors remind us time and time again that it’s never like what you see on the telly. Probably because too many people go into that field because they hope to be the next Horatio Caine or Mac Taylor.”

She is referring to her two favorite detectives on the American television programs CSI: Miami and CSI: New York.

“What about you?” the boy asks. “Who do you aspire to be?”

“Me?” she asks. “No one. Not in pop culture, anyway. I just aspire to be a crime scene investigator that people can rely on and do my job as expected.”

“Good answer.” The boy grins. “May I?”

He nods at the empty seat across from her, and she nods.

“I’m Dylan.” He extends his hand. “I work here as an intern, so I’ve noticed you coming in here a lot.”

“I’m Allison.” She shakes his outstretched hand. “I’ve seen you walking around the shelves a lot. Are you looking into librarianship?”

Dylan shrugs. “Maybe. I’ve considered it, although I prefer to be more hands-on with shelving books than talking to people. I might just stick with being a page.”

Silence follows. Allison’s pen scratches some more notes down. Dylan speaks again.

“So...you want to get out of here?” he asks.

“Erm...is that allowed?” She’s uncertain. “You have work, right?”

“Actually, I was just going to go get some food. You’re welcome to join. I could use the company. I get an hour, tops. Come with. You look like you’ve been working up a storm in here.”

She seems grateful for the relief. “Believe it or not, I have been,” she says, rubbing her tired eyes. “I feel like the whole day has escaped me. Is it evening already?”

“Yup.” Dylan is all too eager to leave. “Come on, future CSI. Let’s go find you some scenes to investigate.”

Dylan’s car is parked in one of the front spots in the library lot. He clicks the remote on his keys and opens his passenger door for Allison. She hides a blush and grins.

“Such a gentleman. Where are we headed, good sir?”

Dylan chuckles. “Well, my dear lady, there is a cafe just a few miles up that I like to frequent. Their tea and sandwich special is simply to die for. Guaranteed fresh daily, or you can slap my arse.”

Allison giggles at the comedic accent he puts on, and the two of them share a laugh and pleasant conversation the whole drive up.

“Honestly, Allison, I do appreciate you accompanying me,” Dylan says in all seriousness again. “I’ve been coming down here by myself so many times that I’ve very nearly forgotten the joy and importance of company, preferably by the female sort.”

“What, you’ve never taken your girlfriend anywhere?” Allison is surprised that such a handsome chap would not be taken.

“Nah; we broke it off,” he replies indifferently. “Didn’t work out, she and I. She broke up with me because she thought I was too work-centered. Didn’t know how to let loose. It lasted three weeks.”

Three weeks. A girlfriend, for three weeks. Allison’s heart pours out for this lonely young man.

“I’m sorry, Dylan.” Her voice is almost a whisper. “I can’t imagine being in a relationship for only three weeks. Sounds like she was missing out on something wonderful.”

“Eh, I’m used to it, at this point.” He shrugs. “Girls never really had it for me. I must be a stroke of bad luck or something, but I appreciate your kindness.”

He suddenly slows down and pulls off the side of the road, turning off the engine.

“Wait. Why are we stopped?” Allison looks puzzled. “I thought we were going to get something to eat. Are we close?”

“Not really.” Dylan sounds as if he didn’t hear her. “Dylan? What’s going on?”

“Engine trouble,” Dylan grumbles, before he turns in the seat to face her. “You know, you have gorgeous eyes.”

“Er...thanks?” Uncertainty starts to grip Allison. “So do you.”

Dylan leans closer. The smile on his face looks almost menacing.

“Dylan, what are you doing?” Allison begins to move away. He is way too close for her liking. Was he going to kiss her? “What are you scared of, baby?” he asks in a soft voice. “I’m not gonna hurt you. I thought we’d have a bit of an adventure before we went out to eat. Just you and me.”

“An adventure?” Allison’s voice is weak. She has a bad feeling about this situation.

“An adventure,” Dylan repeats. “Just you and me. You’ll love it. I promise. It’ll be a new experience for both of us.”

He unbuckles his seatbelt and moves towards her, looming. She backs away until she can’t back away any more. Her backside presses against the passenger door.

“Kiss me,” Dylan urges. “Why are you backing away from me? I just want a kiss.”

There it goes.

“I...” Allison tries to speak, but is lost for words.

Dylan grips her shoulders, hard, and presses his mouth against hers, lingering for as long as he will allow it. She raises her hands in protest, attempting to push him off, but he doesn’t budge. Neither of them notice the dark car that has pulled up behind them or heard the crunching of footsteps on the ground until there’s a harsh pounding at the driver side door.

“Hey! Open up!” A voice barks from outside.

“What the bloody hell?” Dylan jerks up from his intimate position against Allison and glares daggers.

A fist raps on the car window. Someone is outside, and whoever it is does not sound happy.

“Open up and step out of the vehicle with your hands on your head!”

Allison has heard this being said enough times to realize what’s happening. The person rapping on the window is a COP.

Oh, thank goodness! she thinks. If Dylan continued this behavior, I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to fight him off! It was as if the cop, whoever he was, showed up right when she needed him.

“Bloody hell! The fuzz???” He turns his dagger glare on Allison, still cowering against the door. “What did you do, eh? What the bloody hell did you do? Did you call the fuzz on me? Huh? DID YOU CALL THE COPS ON ME???”

“No!” Allison’s response is a squeak. She’s terrified of who this man has become. One second he was handsome and charming, and now he is a monster, unrecognizable.

Jekyll, meet Hyde.

“Sir! I will not ask you again!” The cop is still present. “Open up and step outside of the vehicle! I want your hands where I can see them!”

“F’ck you!” Dylan flips the unseen cop the bird. “Can’t you see I’m in the middle of something here?”

There’s silence, and then the cop raps on the window again, this time with something other than his knuckles.

“Oh my God. He’s got a gun!” Allison realizes that the object being tapped against the window is a pistol. “You’d better open the door, Dylan! This guy is not playing games!”

“You think I’m gonna open the door because of some damn gun?” Snapping. “Guns don’t scare me, baby. And you don’t have to be scared of me. I’ll protect you from all the big bad boys out there. This is our time to be alone together.”

Flipping the bird at the cop outside again, he starts to lean in over Allison a second time...before his door is flung open and he is dragged out roughly by his shirt.

“Hey, whoa!” he yells. “What the hell are y—?” He doesn’t get to finish before he is thrown to the ground and forces on to his stomach.

Allison can only hear the cop’s voice as she slowly comes out of her hunched-over position. He is clearly angry, all his anger directed at Dylan.

“When I give you an order, you bloody well follow it!” he is shouting. “If you put your hands on that lady again, I will have your arse under lock and key faster than lightning!” Scuffling. Dylan sounds like he’s moaning. “Do not catch me seeing you doing what you were doing ever again, do you hear me? Do you hear me??” Inaudible. “Now get out of here and don’t come back!”

“What about my car?” Challenging.

“Your car will be towed back to your residence when I allow it.” Counterattack. “I will not see you put your hands on a woman again, do you understand? Now go!”

More moaning. Unsteady footsteps. Silence. Then a shadow passes over the open driver’s door. Allison draws her knees up to her chest, heart hammering, her body frozen in fear.

“Are you alright, miss?” An unfamiliar face appears inside the doorway. Young. Strikingly dashing.

Allison only stares, refusing to move.

“It’s all right.” A soft, gentle British accent. “I won’t hurt you. I’m here to help.” He reaches into his shirt and flashes a badge hanging around his neck. “I’m an investigator. I was in the area when I saw your car. Are you hurt?” He holds out his hand to her and gives her a very charming smile, and she nearly melts under it. “It’s all right. Your boyfriend won’t harm you again.”

Allison slowly crawls forward and takes his hand, allowing him to help her out of the car. “Dylan’s not my boyfriend,” she says in a low voice. “He was starting his break at work and invited me to dinner. We were on our way to a cafe he mentioned before he pulled over and got all weird with me.” She looks up at him and seems to notice him for the first time.

Damn, she mutters in her mind. You are CUTE!

“You’re a cop?” she asks coolly, not wanting her feelings to get in the way. “You have a badge...and a pistol.” She notices that the pistol is now holstered at his right hip. “I’m a private investigator, actually,” he answers. “I get called in on special cases to help clients find what they’re looking for. My agency is just a few miles down the road from here. I was in the area on a case when I saw your car pulled over, and judging by what I could make out in the rear window, there was definitely a struggle going on. Are you hurt?”

He is genuinely concerned. His handsome face distorts into a frown as he looks her over, checking for injuries.

“I’m fine. I’m just shaken,” she answers. “I wasn’t expecting Dylan to snap like that. It was like a wire had gone bonkers inside of him or something. I’m really thankful you showed up when you did; I don’t think I would’ve been able to fight him off. I froze up.” She looks around, not knowing any of her surroundings. “I’m sorry. I know you probably have a case to get back to, investigator...er, what was your name?”

“I believe I didn’t give it yet. That’s on me. It’s Sinclaire. Detective Ernest Sinclaire, Private Investigator. I work at the Ledford Park Detective Agency as the only lone private eye. And the case can wait. A lovely lady such as yourself who has just been pushed to trauma is way more important to me at the moment, miss...?”

“McQueen. Allison. McQueen. It’s nice to officially meet the investigator who became my knight in shining police armor. Can you tell me, Detective Sinclaire, where I am? I really don’t know this part of town and I would like to go home. I’ve been studying at the library literally all day.”

“Studying?” Sinclaire looks intrigued. “May I ask what you are studying, Miss McQueen?”

“Criminal justice,” Allison replies. “I, er...” She suddenly looks embarrassed about admitting her field of study to an actual law enforcement officer. “I want to be a crime scene investigator.”

“A CSI?” The detective’s eyes sparkle. “Well, I can definitely teach you a thing or two about that. As a matter of fact, I’ve been on the lookout for an assistant to work with me at my agency, and so far none of them have met the qualifications. I can give you my information if it interests you, although I know we just met. Where do you live? I’ll drive you home and we can talk some more.”

An assistant. Detective Ernest Sinclaire, whom Allison knew next to nothing about, just said he was looking for an assistant. At Ledford Park Detective Agency, whatever and wherever that was. Still, though...

“Miss McQueen?” Allison jumps out of her thoughts to find Sinclaire’s piercing blue eyes trained on her. “I asked you where you lived. I want to drive you home. You shouldn’t be out here alone. Did I lose you there?”

“Sorry,” she says. “I was just thinking about your job offer. I actually live at Edgewater Estates. I’m not sure if you...”

“I know where that is,” Sinclaire assures her. “Shall we, then? As for the job, you don’t have to decide just yet. We’ve only just met. I’ll give you my business card and we can go from there. I’ve been trying to find an assistant for a long time now.”

#choices stories you play #desire and decorum #fanfiction ideas #detective story #pixelberry #choices game #play choices

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allyvampirelass29 · 4 years

Text

Chapter 4: We Are HEROES

A HEROES Fanfiction Angel Before the Fall Series By: Allyssa J. Watkins

Peter Petrelli held on as tight as he could to the inconsolable girl in his arms, but she was so crazed and frightened, he was really struggling. "Whoah, HEY!!!" He yelled, trying not to fly sideways into a building, as she kicked and pulled away, frantic. Poor girl, very nearly Sylar's afternoon entrée from the looks of things, as he'd soared in and snatched her out of Sylar's claws just in time, Noah, so banged up and bloodied, he must have been the appetizer. Peter knew, first-hand, both the scarring physical and psychological trauma Sylar Gray hungered to inflict just for the hell of it. He got into your head........ had his sadistic fun, and then he....... got into your head, literally. When he was bored, the world was his own personal playground. No one was safe. MAN, did he do a number on this one. She looked young, maybe early twenties, her green eyes wild and panicked. Peter felt bad for her, trying not to imagine the horrors she'd just faced, prey to Sylar's ungodly whims. Actually, he, himself, still wasn't over that first encounter in Mohinder's apartment three years ago. That overwhelming nausea as Sylar drew his finger across his forehead, the searing pain, the blood dripping, a dark lock of his bangs, severed and fluttering to his feet. Nobody gets over that.......

He was still pissed at Parkman for outright lying to him, pissed at Noah for getting him all tangled up in Sylar's sticky, twisted web AGAIN, but the important thing here, was that this girl would get to live another day, and another set of powers would be safe from Sylar's greedy finger. He held onto her tighter, trying to keep her still, so relieved to finally see the familiar white van, with PRIMATECH spelled out in red lettering on the side. Yeah, maybe a high flying rescue wasn't the best thing for someone who's just come within an inch of her life. He landed extra gently, worried about her, grabbing both of her shoulders. "Hey, stop, it's okay! Shhh, you gotta calm down!" He'd expected her to collapse into tears, hug him, fall to the ground, hyperventilate, God knows he'd spent enough time with people who'd had their razor's edge brush with death both as a nurse and a paramedic. He always marveled at how people reacted in such different ways to being saved, but what happened next caught him entirely off guard. Her right hook landed hard against his shoulder, and he stepped backward, slack jawed.

"Who are you!? What are you doing!? Let go of me, where is he!?!? What did they do with him!?"

"Watch it!!! Geez!!! I'm only the person that just saved you from becoming a part of Sylar's collection of human PEZ dispensers!!!" Peter yelled, rubbing his shoulder, still taken aback.

"Where is he!?!? Where's Sylar!?!?" The girl was in a frenzy, her anger, wounded, and Peter stared at her puzzled, as he heard the sliding doors of the van flung open.

"Relax, he's gone. You're safe now. He can't hurt you anymore! I just saved you, and you can thank me by not hitting me again! My mother told me never to hit a girl, so it wouldn't be much of a fair fight anyway."

"Did they take him!?!? Did they hurt him!?!?"

"Who, Sylar? No, not yet, but they will, I promise you! He'll pay!"

Peter grabbed her just as she went to push him away, her face furious. "NOOO!!!! Oh my god, WHO are you!?"

"Watch it! I'm Peter. Peter Petrelli, again the guy that just saved your life!"

Her face turned white, and she looked more scared than ever, backing away as if he'd just said, "My name is Sylar, and I'm your killer, nice to see you again, how would you like to die today?"

"P-Petrelli? Like..... Nathan Petrelli? Like the corrupt senator hunting ALL of us!?" Ally stammered, eyes wide, wishing Sy had been fast enough to pull her out of the sky.

"Hey! He's my brother, and he's not corrupt, just...... confused."

"If your backstabbing brother or Noah, or ANY of your freaking Company lay one hand on Sy-"

"Wait..... WHAT!? Sy..... as in SYLAR? You're worried about SYLAR, as in the SERIAL KILLER that almost ripped your head open!?"

Peter looked at the girl, aghast, completely confounded and it was then he noticed the needle poised over her shoulder.

"Noah, what the HELL are you-?"

Ally screamed and swiftly evaded the sharp tip, slamming right into Peter, and again he fought to hold her still.

"Peter this is bigger than your rules and your morals, do NOT let her go!!!!"

"Noah, what are you talking about!? Put that AWAY, we just rescued her, and you seriously want to tranq her!?!?

Peter grunted, barely holding her back, grabbing both of her forearms, and then suddenly it hit him full force, and he was pissed all over again. Dang it, Parkman!!! You, LIAR!!!

"Your name is Ally, isn't it? Sylar's girl?" Peter watched her slightly relent in her struggle, and he glared furiously at Noah, his lip quivering with his rage.

"Peter, it's not what you think. This girl-"

"Damn it, Noah, I told you both before!!! I'm not interested in kidnapping an innocent girl, torturing, and using her as bait, even if it means we don't bag him today. We pull that, and we're just as bad as he is!!!"

Ally yanked herself away, running like hell, and Peter flinched as something came flying past the side of his head, hitting Ally in the shoulder blade, embedding itself in her skin, and Noah sprinted to catch her, as she fell hard, instantly unconscious.

Bewildered, Peter whirled around to see Parkman, tranq gun resting on his shoulder, still aimed.

"You're both INSANE!!!!! Look at you!!! I don't want ANY part in this!!! We should be working together to get my brother on our side before we all get shipped off to separate ghettos, not abducting young women because of their unfortunate taste in partners!!!! She didn't hurt anybody! She doesn't deserve this!!!"

"Aiding and abetting, Peter. Not to mention, probably actual..... bedding."

"Oh God, Bennet, thanks for that image. That's a crime in of itself," Parkman made a face, looking deeply disturbed.

"She's helping an extremely dangerous and unhinged killer escape capture, that makes her an accomplice in my book. She's a criminal, Peter. It's the law, and sometimes you have to do things you never talk about again, if you want to be a hero. It's not all damsels in distress. Sometimes the damsels cause the distress."

Peter sighed. This was certifiable. "No torture, I mean it."

"What?!? Who said anything about torture? What am I, KGB? I'm a father, Peter, not an executioner."

"You remember, she's somebody's Claire too." Peter stared down Noah accusingly, as he watched him hoist the unconscious brunette onto his shoulder.

"Alright. Fair enough. You in, or do you want me to call your big brother to come pick you up?"

"Do you ever get sick of playing both sides, Bennet? Fine. I'm in. On the condition that after we get Sylar, she goes free, and then we focus on Nathan. I'm too old to be doing this, playing hide and seek with my own brother."

"Deal. You want to get in the van, or are you enjoying your flight?"

Peter grumbled something under his breath as he climbed in the van.

Noah carried a rag doll Ally to the back, and Parkman followed.

"Is it too late to call shotgun? You know I can read your mind, right? You're not going to let her go, are you?"

Noah laid her in the back, and slammed the door. "No, I'm not. This girl is the miracle we've been waiting for, the key to preventing a genocide. No matter what happens, I'm not letting her out of my sight. By the way....... How DID you get Peter Pan to come? I mean, I know you used your powers, but what did you tell him?

"That a girl was pinned down, helpless, getting beaten up in the alley, and needed a hero........."

**********

"Why does he get to drive? You both know that I'm a cop, right? I should be driving."

Peter smiled to himself, hands on the wheel.

"Smirking, see, he's smirking at me."

"I will turn this van around!" Peter called out, trying not to laugh."

"Hilarious. You're hilarious, Fly Boy!"

"I'm sorry, did I do anything wrong officer?"

"Will you two BOTH shut UP!!!" Noah yelled from the back seat, carefully guiding the needle through his skin without so much as a wince. "This is a serious takedown op, not a school field trip! Parkman, Peter is driving because we need to blend in, and you cop, or not, always show off using your powers, making people see things, or stopping all of the cars at once. I have to get to the outpost, I don't have time for you to act like a hot shot."

"How are we supposed to blend in when you know the first thing somebody's going to do, is pull him over and ask for his permit?"

"You wanna go, Professor X?"

Peter took the next left hard, and slammed the brakes, Parkman nearly hitting his head on the passenger side window.

"Assaulting an officer!"

"Not yet, I'm not!"

"I will USE that sedative on both of you, I mean it!!! Peter, less fast and furious please, I can stitch myself up in a moving vehicle, but not in a swerving one. Thanks to our slice-happy friend Sylar, I've got my work cut out for me."

"Noah, wait, you don't have to do that. We packed some of Claire's blood in the cooler, just in case," Peter said softly, for the first time taking notice of the bloody laceration down the length of Noah's arm. Thirteen stitches at least."

"Peter, I am NOT taking an injection of my own daughter's blood, and sponging off her powers. What do you think Sylar does with Ally? I won't use her like that, and who's damn fool idea was it to bring it along, I want names!!!!"

Peter and Parkman exchanged glances, and both spoke at the same time.

"Claire's."

Noah's anger softened, and he arched his eyebrows before he went back to sewing, dabbing the fresh blood with a cloth.

"She's worried about you, Man. Frankly, we are too." Peter said gently, stopping extra careful at the next light.

"Tell her thanks, but no thanks. I won't do it. It's my job to worry about her, not the other way around. I don't want anyone taking her blood again. She's not some miracle drug."

"At least let me patch you up, I was a nurse and now I'm a paramedic, it'd be a cinch. I wouldn't even charge you," Peter smiled, trying to lighten the dark mood that Noah was battling with.

"I appreciate that Peter, but I've been fixing myself up since before you were born."

"Noah Bennet, Company Man, Suburban Dad, and Bad Ass Action Hero."

Noah cracked a bit of a smile. "Smart kids, you Petrelli Boys. Now, just drive."

Parkman had gotten really quiet, but he couldn't take it anymore. He had to know, and not from pulling the answer from Noah's mind. He had to hear it from his own mouth.

"What would you have done...... Noah. What the actual HELL would you have done, if he'd killed her, and taken her powers? You wouldn't have just put blood in the water, you'd have it on your hands, forever."

"I'm sorry, WHAT!? What's he talking about?" Peter looked over his shoulder confused and deeply disturbed. "Why would Sylar try to kill his own girlfriend?"

"Because I made him. I stirred up the desire, I gave him NO choice by telling him everything about her powers. And damn it, I'd do it again."

"What the HELL, Noah!? WHAT kind of messed up kamikaze play is that!?"

"It was the only one we had, Peter. I knew Parkman could get you there, and I needed a stall tactic. I was never going to let him do it, I just needed her to turn on him. I needed him to bare his teeth. Surprise, surprise. It didn't work.

"Wait....... you're saying....... that blood lusting MONSTER stopped himself, even after knowing what she could do? It's impossible. I took his power that one time, Noah, once he's got the scent, he's off his leash, he physically can't control it. I attacked my own mother for God's sake!!!!"

"He must have quite the puppy eyes for her then. He struggled hard, he wanted it, but fought it, I could tell, it took all of his strength but he eventually won. If he hadn't, I would have put a bullet in her leg to snap him out of it."

"I'm sorry, and what if he'd continued his killing joke with you?" Parkman asked, stunned, eyes wide.

"Again, bullet to the leg. Her immediate danger would have distracted him from his vindictive vendetta against me. Luckily we got a chance to take her quietly, and now we can finally draw him out, on our own turf, use his leading lady against him, and put that murdering psychopath down once and for all. He's distracted when he's with her, I've seen it. He won't be thinking clearly, and he won't want to scare her again. She's the Achille's heel, he didn't used to have, a vulnerability we can use. If there was ever a time to strike hard, it's now that he's on the ropes. He won't leave her, and THAT will be his inevitable downfall."

"Quietly? Noah, he's going to be PISSED, like serious kill all our families, drown the whole world in BLOOD, Apocalypse Now PISSED!!!! He's a wounded animal with nothing left to lose, backed into a corner!!!! Oh GOD, what about Claire!?"

"Claire's safe, Peter." That's the first thing I took care of before I came after them. No, I'm not going to tell you where, just in case this thing goes south. Plausible deniability. If you don't know, he can't force it out of you."

The whole van went silent all the joking and clever quips from before, evaporated in the heat of what they were about to face. Running right into the fire.

"I'm still mad that you lied to me. Both of you. I told you I was done with this life, and was going to stay as far the hell away from Sylar as I could get. But I'm in this now, as much as I've tried to avoid this road, I always find myself here, picked up by the two of you, or in the old days, Nathan. If we're going to do this, we have to trust each other. No more lying, no more manipulation, no more half baked suicide missions, no more hidden agendas. We are HEROES. It's time we start acting like it.

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

#heroes #sylar #gabriel gray #noah bennet #sylar x oc #peter petrelli #matt parkman #angel before the fall

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echodrops · 6 years

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Hi! I'm a high schooler considering majoring in creative writing, and I was wondering if there are any tips, pros and cons, advice, etc. you could give since you teach it? :3

Ahhh, I’m excited to get asks like this because I love to hear that people want to major in creative writing–nowadays there’s such a heavy emphasis on STEM careers, and poor English is so often ignored… But I hope I can do this response justice. Please keep in mind that I can only share my own experiences and that the path I’ve taken may not work for everyone!

I guess if you’re in the “considering” stage, the number one thing I would suggest is that you ask yourself two things:

1) What is my “absolute” goal? If I could score my dream job at the end of college, what would that look like?

2) What am I willing to consider doing instead if I don’t score my dream job at the end? What other related careers could I enjoy?

If you’re considering creative writing as a career, your likely end goal is to become a professional writer and make a living off your writing, right? (Some people treat that like a pipe dream, but it’s no less likely, and in fact sometimes far more likely, than any other creative career.) But becoming a writer who is well-known enough to live off your advances and royalties will likely take you a significant amount of time–even if you are published, especially in the early years, you may not be earning enough from your books to pay the bills all by yourself. (If you’ve got a supportive significant other that has a high-paying job, by all means, get them to pay the bills while you build up your writing fan base–then you can repay later when you’re rolling in royalties!)

But you will, at least at first, very likely need to ask yourself: What am I willing to do as a day job?

And I think the answer to that question is really what determines whether or not you should pursue a creative writing degree.

A degree in creative writing is one of the most versatile college degrees you can get. (Certainly I’m biased, but there do seem to be certain degrees that are simply more applicable to a wider field of career options–someone who gets a degree in sculpting can sculpt, for example, but I’m not sure about its applicability beyond that.)

English, like math, is a broad enough type of degree that it achieves some “universality.” A huge, huge number of careers require strong writing and communication skills. English degrees can get you into law school, into marketing and content-writing careers, into teaching careers, into office jobs, into HR and PR positions, into management, and essentially into any position in which writing will be a major component. Demonstrated ability to write well and clearly is a golden ticket to many jobs because it is a skill that many people lack. Even people who might otherwise be better qualified for a technical position can still end up rejected in favor of people who are able to express their skills in a more professional manner!

So getting an English degree/having creative writing for your emphasis is a far, far safer career choice than many people will lead you to believe.

But just because the degree can apply to many fields doesn’t always mean it’s the best degree for those fields–the “jack of all trades” saying is applicable here. There are certain careers that English degrees feed into very well, and others where you’ll have to stretch things a little. So, another question:

Are you interested in any of the following?

Teaching

Writing content/reviews for products or websites

Handling correspondence, such as managing emails for a business

Creating and managing social media accounts

Tutoring/Proof-reading for pay

Technical writing (someone has to write all our user manuals after all)

Managing records or handling public relations

If so, you can probably sign up for a creative writing degree with no real worries. Case closed, problem solved. XD

But if none of that stuff looks remotely interesting to you, you might want to take a deep breath and think about your other options (of which the following are just some):

Skip an undergraduate degree in creative writing specifically, but plan on studying writing in graduate school, such as through an MFA program (a bit difficult but not uncommon)

Double major in creative writing and another field where the day jobs interest you more (difficult but very useful)

Skip formal education for creative writing entirely and go it on your own to become a great writer (not ideal, but also not totally impossible)

Having a creative writing Bachelor’s degree can help you on your way to becoming a professional writer. But it isn’t a requirement to become a great author–in fact, many authors never formally studied creative writing before writing their great novels (Kurt Vonnegut was in science; Ernest Hemingway was a journalist before a novelist, etc.). If day jobs in other fields interest you more, pursuing a degree there doesn’t mean you’ll never write and publish your great novel.

Nor will skipping a creative writing Bachelor’s degree block you from ever studying creative writing later on: in my MFA program, only three of the seven of us in the poetry track had undergraduate English degrees. It is possible to earn an undergraduate degree in a totally different field and then still go on to study creative writing later if you decide that writing on your own isn’t working.

Furthermore, you’re not locked into certain classes at most colleges–you could take a creative writing minor or simply take writing classes as part of your electives, and still get the benefits of the education, while earning a different degree where the day jobs interest you more.

As a personal aside, when I was an undergraduate student, I was very nervous about my ability to succeed in the writing field, and so I decided to go the double major route, with English as my “fun” degree and criminal justice as my “pay the bills” degree. Ironically, almost a decade later, here I am, paying my bills with my “fun” degree. I rarely use my criminal justice degree as anything more than a party trick (people really love to talk about murder). But studying two subjects gave both myself and my family relief, and I did learn many, many things that would later appear in my writing, so I have no regrets.

Basically, what I’m getting at here is: When you think about how you’re going to be paying your bills for 5-10 years after college, what careers can you see yourself doing other than writing fiction/poetry? If none of the things you imagine line up with the “easy to get” English degree careers, that’s a sign that maybe you should at least consider studying something else and just take your writing classes on the side instead. (Or double major, if you’re a masochist like me lol.)

Ultimately, I’m not enough of an optimist to tell you that you should blindly follow your passion for writing and assume it will all work out–the basic fact is you’ll almost inevitably need a day job, at least for a while, and that’s what I think the deciding factor in your major should be.

Nevertheless, one of the biggest hang-ups I hear from people thinking about majoring in writing is that they are worried the degree will be worthless, and that simply isn’t true. Almost all my friends from college were English majors (we flock together) and all of my English major friends are gainfully employed–none of us are homeless or starving or still living off our parents. Some of us might have better jobs (I’m not going to brag–lol jk yes I am–with my professor’s salary I own two houses and am two months from completely paying off my gorgeous 2SS RS Camaro), but essentially every English major I know is doing well for him- or herself. (This may not be everyone’s story though–I’m sure some others have struggled; I just don’t know them.)

The longest time I was ever unemployed since earning my creative writing degree was a period of four months after grad school, when I moved back to southern California and realized the job market there was horrific. THAT SAID, even during my four-month job search, I took an internship at a refugee and immigration center and got the opportunity to help people literally escape human trafficking rings and modern-day slavery, so that was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.I haven’t always liked the jobs I’ve had, but I’ve never felt afraid of not having enough money to feed or house myself since leaving college with a creative writing degree.

You can do perfectly well for yourself with a degree in writing. I wouldn’t even call it a risky choice, at this point. So if that’s the sticking point in your decision to major in writing–that part I wouldn’t worry too much about.

As for advice… ah, this post is really long already. If you want some advice about what to look for in schools you apply to, or what to do if you do decide on creative writing as your major, send me another message and I’ll try to whip something up.

Hope this is what you were looking for!

#college advice #life advice #writing advice #???#I have no idea how to tag this lol #why you should get an English degree #or maybe some cases where you shouldn't #creative writing #creative writing major #IRL stuff #echo answers asks

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boooalmzr · 5 years

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preparation

Preparation is key.

Although I don’t think that one can ever really be prepared for law school, like any diligent student, I decided to do some advanced studying and other activities for me to at least get a good grasp of what I am to get myself into.

Some of what I do is not directly connected to studying. If any, I imagine they would teach me some valuable lessons that should be useful for when I enter the halls of the college of law.

Initially, I scoured the web for study tips and pre-law school advises. Most of what I found are from five to ten years ago. The law evolves and it changes as the people, their views, and priorities change. Some may think that five to ten years is a touch too long of a time for those tips and advises to still be relevant but the thing is, the pedagogy in teaching law, for the most part, remains the same.

That said, I picked whatever I can from what I found and created a list of things I decided I would do before classes begin.

1. Exercise

I don’t have one athletic bone in my body, let’s start with that. I decided to hit the gym because I’m committed to inculcating a stronger sense of discipline.

When the going gets tough, only the tough gets going.

Law school is notoriously hard. I’ve seen a distant cousin battle through it at Rockwell. I’ve read stories from some of the brightest legal minds in the country about their struggles in the college of law and through their narratives one important characteristic helped them win their way to the bar exams and beyond: discipline.

2.Schedule

I created a daily schedule plotting my work, study, home, and gym hours.

The idea is to build a routine. The study of law is dry and routinary. Your routine becomes a habit and if you habitually study your subjects everyday it becomes second skin.

I imagine burn out may be avoided if we commit ourselves enough to the life of the mind.

What I did was plot my non-study activities first and then my readings. At this time, I only have 4 hours a day dedicated to advanced reading and studying but they will gradually take more of my time.

3. Write

I’d like to think that I have a decent handwriting but there is always room for improvement.

Professors check a lot of papers in the course of their days so we sort of help make their jobs easier when we write legibly. In this context, they might make our law school life difficult for us if we make their jobs difficult for them (or so they say). Neat essays get good grades.

4. Pre-read

Now, we might want to enjoy the rest of our time now because we will not have it aplenty when we enter law school. But if you’re like me and you don’t have much better things to do grab your book stands and go visit your nearest Rex Bookstore.

They suggest reading The Revised Penal Code (if you’re really bored). The first twenty chapters are particularly important because they will constitute most of our Criminal Law 1.

Personally, I got myself both the The Revised Penal Code and The 1987 Philippine Constitution codals. Well, we are told to learn to love reading, that’s why.

In reading these toms we are advised to follow the 3 Cs:

Codals comes first. These are where the black letter laws are.

Comments follow. These are books of experts whose interpretations yield wide academic acceptance on their specific fields of law.

Cases are last. Cases are those documents that come from the courts. They contain decided stories cases and precedents that our courts use in deciding other cases.

In doing this, we just want to get a feel of the volume of reading that we are to read, the loose understanding of the language in which we will read them, and the stress of information overload.

This is an incomplete list. I will ask around for more and I will share them with you as soon as I get the chance to.

Let me know if you have some tips as well. Your incoming 1Ls need them.

#lawblr studyblr

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godaime-obito · 6 years

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Kagatobi Modern Ageswap Ch 2

part two of this

It took three days for Tobirama to finally pick a concrete time, and now a full week from their reunion he and Kagami are meeting up. He’s been for coffee in the meantime of course, but only short trips, and he wanted to have plenty of time set aside for this. No leaving early this time, no matter how he embarrasses himself. He arrives at his favorite coffee shop ahead of their planned meeting time, although not quite as early as he originally intended. Touka would have made fun of him for taking so long to get ready for a date, and this technically isn’t even a date. Honestly, he’s mocked Hashirama for less when he started seeing Mito as well, but neither of them are here to call him out. He doesn’t want to look like the bedraggled law student he is when trying to make a proper impression on Kagami as a proper adult and not just an undergrad kid.

He hesitates for a moment when picking a seat, wondering if Kagami would prefer to sit by the counter like he was at the other shop, or if a secluded corner like he prefers would be alright. Obviously though, he’s being ridiculous, there’s no certainty that’s where Kagami always sits, so he might as well sit where he normally does for now. Tobirama brought along his laptop and other things like he normally does, even if he’s not sure how much he’ll be using them once Kagami arrives. For now, though, he sets up his things at his usual spot and gets to work. Tobirama’s only just gotten into a rhythm when he arrives, slightly early as well.

“Tobirama!” Kagami calls out, “I hope you haven’t been waiting long. I know you always liked to show up early.”

“No, I only just set up,” he replies, closing his laptop and pushing it out of the way. He stands up and moves toward the barista with Kagami. No point in sitting around anymore with no coffee now that they’re both here. They don’t exchange more the banal pleasantries until after they receive their coffee and sit down, and he leaves Kagami to make the first move to deepen the conversation. It was his idea to meet up after all, and they both know very well it isn’t Tobirama’s forte. It’s not that he’s nervous about saying the wrong thing, really, it’s not.

“How are your brothers doing? Are they pestering you as much during law school as you used to day they were before?” Kagami inquires.

“No, since I moved to a new apartment I don’t see them as much, and they’re pretty busy too now,” Tobirama starts, and seeing his companion’s head tilt curiously continues, “Hashirama got married recently, Itama decided to study abroad for a year, and Kawarama is being hit by the struggle that is pre-med.”

“I’m going to be honest I feel like there should be more than three, every time I saw your family at an event it felt like a new brother had suddenly appeared,” Kagami chuckled, “you probably could’ve just made up two new brothers and I would’ve believed it.”

Tobirama’s lips quirk up at that, admittedly his family never seemed to show up to anything all at once, and when they did show up often managed to bring unrelated people with them, so it may have been confusing who was who from the outside looking in, but… “Really? And here I thought professor Kagami noticed everything, a paragon of the criminal justice field. What a letdown that he’s just a man after all.”

He fakes a gasp in reply, clutching a hand over his heart. “Slander! I am both a paragon of criminal justice and mere mortal like you,” he asserts, grinning at him, “That’s what makes my powers truly impressive.”

Tobirama is starting to grin as well, and quickly takes a sip of coffee to mask it. “Of course, how silly of me,” he jokes, and then moves things back on track before he lets his amusement show too much, “Do you have any siblings?”

“Nope,” Kagami replies, exaggerating the ‘p’ sound. His cheeky grin returns, “It’s for the best really, it would be hard on them, always being compared to a paragon such as myself.”

He quirks a brow, and hums disbelievingly. Kagami leans in on an elbow in response, and picks up his coffee in one hand. His smirk not shrinking at all as he sips at it, playfully daring Tobirama to disagree verbally.

Not rising to the bait this time, he asks, “Have you been working on anything special? Doing more than just teaching this semester?”

Kagami swiftly straightens out, and falls into a more serious tone in before responding, “Actually, I’ve been working on a study. We’ve recently finished forming the questionnaires and procedures, and are trying to find a good place for a sizable random sample. New discoveries in the field are always important, although I don’t want to get into it until we get results. I’d love to go over it with you at a later date.” Kagami leans back in a bit then, although not as casually as before, and asks after Tobirama in return, “I know you always have passion studies and projects going on alongside your law studies. What are you looking into now?”

Tobirama wouldn’t admit if someone later asked, even if it may be true, that seeing someone so genuinely interested in his research got him carried away. However, discussing his various books and discoveries with someone who could keep up with him, and who really tried to understand even when it was going rather beyond their own comprehension of the subject is rare for him. Most people, such as Hashirama start to space out as soon as the terminology starts to go over their head, but Kagami is interested, and unafraid to ask for explanation for any terms or processes he doesn’t know. By the time Tobirama realizes they’ve been talking about the various things he’s studied since leaving the university Kagami teaches at for longer than is probably appropriate, most all of the time for their meeting is gone.

“Apologies, I believe I completely commandeered our meeting,” he says reluctantly, not eager to end the discussion. When it comes to his research he always has more to say.

“No need to apologize,” Kagami quickly assures him, “I liked discussing all your studies. It’s very interesting, and besides I think it’s worth it alone to see your face light up talking about it.”

Tobirama is surely blushing very brightly, he can feel the heat of his face, and his pale skin means that even the lightest blush shows clearly. He tries to think of a proper response, but he seems to be short-circuiting a bit, and absolutely nothing is coming to mind. Is this flirting, should he flirt back? There are very few ways to interpret a statement like that, but if anyone could misread that it would be himself, so he’s second guessing himself. Also, he’s not great at flirting on purpose. Maybe he should just finish his, now rather cold, coffee and try not to continue blushing.

Kagami leans on his elbows, and rests his chin on his interlocked fingers. He glances up at him, and asks brightly, “What do you plan to do when you pass your bar exam?”

Relieved for the mercy of having something easy to answer, Tobirama replies with renewed confidence, “Well I need to get my foot in the door somewhere, and get experience as a proper lawyer first. I think I’ll end up working as a public defender for a while, since there’s never enough of those. I suppose how well I like that will help decide when I move on and to what type of work I move on to. One thing for sure I’m determined to never be a divorce lawyer, I couldn’t handle the level of nonsense involved in that.”

Kagami giggles in response to that. “I can’t imagine you as a divorce lawyer, I know a couple once spend two hours arguing over the contents of the fridge and I think you’d have walked out of the room at that point,” he manages in between chuckles.

“Exactly! I couldn’t do it.”

“Well I’m sure you’ll be fine at any other type of work, but until then, if you need any help studying for the exam, or with anything in the busy month leading up to it, I’d be happy to help. Just text me,” Kagami stands up then, “It looks like we’re out of time.”

Tobirama checks the time as he packs away his laptop and things, he really didn’t use it at all after Kagami came. “The time seems like it went by quickly,” he contemplates, as they walk toward the door, “I suppose we’ll just have to meet again soon.”

Kagami presses close towards him as they exit together, he thinks maybe it was an accident, the doorway is small, but he doesn’t pull away when they’re out. Standing on the sidewalk he rests his hand against Tobirama’s bicep. “We really will,” he says wistfully, “I’m certainly glad we ran into each other again.”

Kagami’s standing very close, looking up at him, and Tobirama never realized before he was this much taller than him. If they were of a closer height their faces would be awfully close to touching, it would be easy to tilt his own head down more and make them touch. He looks at Kagami’s lips a moment longer than may be normal, before taking a small step back. He’s still not confident he’s reading this right, and he doesn’t want to get ahead of himself…but, maybe next time.

“I’m very glad as well,” he finally continues the conversation with a small smile, “I haven’t had such a pleasant evening in a while. If I need any help with my exam you’ll be my first call. Goodnight, Kagami.”

“Goodnight, Tobirama,” he smiles back. His hand slowly slides off Tobirama’s arm, and they walk their separate ways towards home.

#my writing #kagatobi #unnamed modern ageswap #fanfic #naruto #tobirama #kagami #kagami uchiha #tobikaga

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newamsterdame · 7 years

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First off, hi!!! I love your writing and your commitment to your writing despite being so busy with school is inspiring. My massive amount of respect for you aside, how exactly is law school set up, the getting in part aside, does it function similarly to undergrad or is it more specialized? More control over your curriculum? Things like that

the answer is, “it depends.” (in law school, the answer is always “it depends.”) i can’t speak to law curriculums generally, since i only have my own experience to go off of, but here’s a general run down–

law school is typically a three-year course if you’re in a juris doctor program. the first year is typically the most structured, where you take a series of foundational, doctrinal courses. those normally include: criminal law, torts, property, contracts, civil procedure, and constitutional law.

after your first year, the curriculum opens up considerably. most schools have some specific requirements that you have to take, but for the most part you get to pick your classes and just have to reach a certain amount of units by the time you graduate.

at my school, there are different categories of classes. the first is doctrinal courses, which include the six first year courses, but expand to include things like administrative law, criminal procedure, federal courts and first amendment. basically, a doctrinal course consists of reading a body of case law in a given subject, and analyzing the contours of the doctrine and what legal arguments and precedents are available to you in the field.

then there are seminars, which are generally more topical/specialized courses that aren’t necessarily constrained by an established body of law. these also include courses that pull from many different fields under one topic. these are pretty varied and generally follow what professors are interest in teaching.

and then we have clinics. clinical courses give law students actual legal experience by allowing them to take on courses under a supervising attorney. student attorneys might represent criminal defendants, file appeals, deal with issues of family law, draft contracts… basically anything. clinics are usually aimed towards underserved populations and do not require payment from the clients. many states allow law students to appear in court on behalf of their clients as long as they are supervised.

there are some other anomalies, like practicums, research, and courses taken at other graduate schools that might count towards your law degree. for the most part, after the first year, you have a lot of control over your course work. there are some schools that have a stricter list of requirements– basically every subject that is tested on the bar– but my school isn’t like that because it assumes its students can study for the bar after they’ve had the overall experience of a legal education.

law school is not like undergrad. the focus of the classes is different, the pedological interests are different, and the aim is not always to get you to think in new and expansive ways. the law is one of the most conservative things you can study, even if you intend to use it radically. the first year is aimed at indoctrinating you into certain modes of thinking, to give you fluency in the language of the law, and to train you in how to access and deploy different bodies of law. law schools tend to be very self-contained, competitive places. everyone is getting the same degree, generally– there’s no such thing as an environmental law degree or a civil rights law degree. instead, you are in theory a generalist of the law, although you can focus your curriculum however you wish.

there’s a whole lot else– summer internships and other academic activities, etc. – but this is a baseline. honestly, there’s a lot that could be improved about the current legal education system, but as it stands right now this is how i’ve experienced it.

#quality reply blog #lawyering

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stargleeksil-blog · 7 years

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Criminal Minds s02e10 Lessons Learned review - or more aptly named, holy shit I can’t believe they put him in harm’s way, I’m going to fucking kill those bastards, oh he’s all right, good. fuck you assholes.

Episode 10 – Lessons Learned

Okey dokey, so we’re nearly halfway through season 2, and I’ve only been working on it two days (in actual reviewing time, I’m divulging some inner secrets that can only be divulged to those privileged few who deign my words worthy of reading, so shhh!!!). Pretty intense shit is going on over here.

I just called one of my friends to get rid of cockroaches. I know, it’s pussy thing to do, especially for a lady, but come on! That’s like the one bug that really gets my goat! I can deal with spiders, ants, mosquitos, even flies. But not roaches. Ugh. So gross. That and rats are my two weaknesses.

So, back to Criminal Minds, because let’s face it, Shemar and Matthew are so much better than dealing with household pests. Let’s see what this episode has in store.

Let’s see what happens.

Whoa, that’s a SWAT car. Yikes. This is gonna be intense.

A lady team leader. I love it.

Hey! It’s Professor Short-Skirt from Community! Awesome!

Well, it’s not a meth lab, but there is an escape tunnel, and that’s a fucking bomb.

Who the fuck wakes Hotch on a morning sleep-in. Damn. Poor thing.

God, I can’t believe that he has to do this to his wife. But come on, it’s his fucking job. I love Hotch so much.

Straight to business.

Wait. Emily knows Arabic? Damn.

I love you already, Prentiss. Awesome.

I love how everyone’s like, awesome! We could use her!

And then Penelope dazzles everyone with everything. Lol.

Jin d’Allah. Meaning soldier of God. Lovely.

Oh god, he’s part of the Jihad. Yikes.

Wait. Wait. Hold the presses. Reid read the Koran? Damn.

They have to do in 48 hours what the CIA haven’t been able to do in two months? Fuck.

Wait. Gideon is heading to Guantanamo Bay? Oh my god. That’s intense.

Yup, they should assess Prentiss on the field, and she’s willing enough, what’s the harm?

Dale Turner: “Some of the best lessons are learned from past mistakes. The error of the past is the wisdom of the future.” Who is this guy and can I marry his brain?

Gideon, why are you being so harsh on Prentiss? And Prentiss, he’s right, this isn’t a treat to go with them to Guantanamo. You have to prove your worth, and you have to not interrupt[t Gideon while he’s playing chess with Reid, and you need to tone down your sassiness. Capiche?

Oh Reid’s ‘oooh snap’ face is everything to me.

So Gideon is a genius.

Haha the whole chess board just went kersplat. I love it.

There’s a mandatory 90-degree turn when you approach Gitmo? Damn.

And Reid was winning! Wait what, Gideon would have had him in three moves? Damn. Prentiss is good.

Wait, it’s a bio-chemical bomb? Damn.

Hey! Hey! Why torture the guy? You want answers, that’s not how you get them.

So Gideon’s going to swoop in as the hero who is juxtaposed to his usual tormentors? That’s awesome.

Crap. A list of chemicals. Damn.

So Jin d’Allah is so convinced he is going to suffer, he won’t even cooperate? Youch.

A list of chemicals needed to weaponized Anthrax. What’s that? Some kind of explosive that’s deadly? From your tone, Derek, it sure seems that way.

So even the smallest amount of this Anthrax is deadly to many people? Yikes.

God, I already love Prentiss. She’s like – he’s Egyptian, from Cairo, wait, no, he might be from Yemen, but most like Egypt. You do you, Emily.

So he’s slightly impressed by how much Gideon finds out about him through conversation rather than violence.

Gideon’s worst enemy is ignorance. Welcome to the club, buddy.

Aww, he’s letting him pray! That’s so amazing!

Yikes! Those details are driving me nuts! So turns out that the NSA is routing its satellites to the USA during emergencies of electronic traffic. Meaning, they can basically monitor whoever they want at any given time and just not tell anybody. Well, that’s an unsettling thought there, guys. My condolences. Of course, I don’t know how it works here in Israel, either, so it might very well be happening here, too. In which case – NO ONE IS SAFE! WE NEED AN ESCAPE PLAN TO MARS!

Wait, those CIA assholes kept those water bottles there to remind him that he couldn’t have any? Wow, talk about extreme measures to get him to crack. Yet, they were unsuccessful, so what’s the point? I’m learning a whole new mass of information about the American law enforcement system, and some of it isn’t to my liking at all.

“How can you ignore the fact that Muhammad preached passivity while he was in Mecca? ‘Do no violence.’” Wow. That is true.

“His later message from Medina was perfectly clear. ‘When violence comes upon you, you must fight back with violence.’” Seriously? Turns out he’s not even quoting the Koran, but the Hadith. “The Verse of the Sword”. Which the Muslims argue cancels out earlier teachings. Someone’s spin on the words of the prophet. Oh dear lord.

Fight and slay infidels wherever you find them and seize them in every stratagem of war. – that’s in the Koran?

Ah! Unless they repent. Establish regular prayers and practice regular charity.

So those who embrace the Jihad basically spin everything that Muhammad said and the Koran to support their violent ways to justify their killings as the will of Allah? Oh god, that is seriously messed up, brother.

“How is it that my faith would allow you to live and worship as you please, and yours would take my life and snuff it out?” Amazing. Simply amazing.

“You are simply misguided people of the book.” PAH! “But if you revert to Islam …” seriously? That’s the only way to repent for their ‘sinful ways’?

So he survived a bombing on a bazaar in Cairo? Damn. And he was only eight? Yikes.

Let’s verify it with Oracle of All Knowledge.

Half his family died in the bombing? Damn. Poor thing. But that is not the reason to go on a killing spree in the name of a god, and call it holy revenge. It isn’t.

Wait. They’re going into a site, where there might be an active bomb, an active chemical bomb no less, with no coms? Oh god. Please let my baby boy survive this. I won’t be able to cope with it at work today.

So he’s relieved by telling him that they found the sites? What’s wrong with this guy? Oh my god, he’s the one calling the shots on the bombings. Fuck. Get out of there! The bomb is there and is about to blow!!!! I know it! Morgan, get out of there, leave Professor Short-Skirt, take Hotch with you, and scram!

Oh snap. So they may have gotten the Anthrax from a foreign lab? Damn.

Oh crap, the girls can see the bombing in Annandale, oh god.

Please pick up!

Oh thank god.

“Don’t worry. Don’t think you’re gonna get rid of me that easy.” Thank the almighty lord of chocolate Adonises and chiseled abs. I wouldn’t live without Shemar XD

“Do you need anything?” “I know who to call if I do. Thanks, baby doll.” Aww, just kiss already.

So they didn’t use Anthrax in the two first bombs. But the third one will involve it.

Jind, don’t fuck with Gideon, and don’t fuck with me. You suck, you are evil, and you need to stop.

Wait. He’s changing his story now? His son is the kid who got blown up in the bazaar bombing, and he was the one who survived? Fuck you, asshole!

His real name is Jamal Abaza. Go to hell.

Hey, CIA assholes, why you so rude to my Gideon? Not nice. He’s trying to school you.

Fuck protocols. Assholes.

“How goes with the CIA?” “I don’t know what Gideon said to them, but they are feeding me information like crazy.” Ha, I love Gideon and I love his power of persuasion. I would believe anything that came out of that pretty mouth of his.

Seriously? Jamal, seriously? You and Gideon breath the same air, you are comprised of the same biological components that make you a male human being. Just because you believe in different faiths does not make you all that different. Just means you believe different things. And the fact that you believe your god would like you to eliminate anyone who doesn’t believe in him, but that’s beside the point, am I right? I’m not? Well, fuck you asshole.

Oh. So he’s less than human? You try to kill other humans. Come on.

And yet Gideon is still gracious to him.

That should count for something.

20 grams of Anthrax missing. Ruh-roh.

“No one wants the other kids peeing in their sand box.” Ew, Garcia, simply ew. I mean, true, but ew.

Soft entry. As opposed to what? Cuz you just banged open a door. That’s hard for me.

Whoa. That’s a lot of dead bodies, dude. Fuck.

So he’s bringing in Reid to talk to him? What the hell are you doing?

He’s making jokes? Seriously?

Oh god. Mandy’s horrified expression is just amazing. So touching.

Oh crap. He’s going to blow up a mall. Fuck.

Ha! They manipulated him to think it’s a different time, and they just let him show his final hand. I love you Gideon, and I am so sorry for those people. I hope they get there in time. Shit.

Please, Hayley, postpone the pictures, you need to not go to the mall.

Shit. They’re going through the air vents. Damn.

Yes! My baby boy got him. And now they’re saying it was a robbery? Come on. Let’s not pretend it was anything other than a terror attack.

Oh thank god, Hotchner’s family are okay. Thank god.

Hahahahhaa Jack is so cute!

Ralph Waldo Emerson: “In order to learn the most important lessons of life, one must each day surmount a fear.” Meh, somewhat true.

Boom. Gideon schooled Reid again.

Aww! He’s letting Prentiss play him? That’s nice. So they’re finally trusting her. Good.

Okay, so this episode hit close to home. Not because I was raised in a Jewish household, but because I was raised in Israel, and Muslim extremists and the Jihad were always a threat hovering over our heads. I really hate terrorism. Because it’s a group of sad, pathetic people brainwashing an entire group who believe in a certain faith that in order to prove their faithfulness they have to kill others and maybe die themselves. This episode was extremely powerful. It made me appreciate Prentiss, and make me like her. It had me anxious over my baby boy, Derek, on whether or not he was going to live, and thank goodness he did, and it had a bit of Penelope going nuts over him as well, which was awesome.

Amazing episode, amazing writing, and I hope this season continues to amaze me.

#criminal minds #s02e10 #lessons learned #aaron hotchner #thomas gibson #jason gideon #mandy patinkin #derek morgan #shemar moore #jennifer jareau #aj cook #spencer reid #matthew gray gubler #penelope garcia #kirsten vangsness #emily prentiss #paget brewster

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aliceviceroy · 5 years

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The kids never know. The massive college-admissions racketeering scheme revealed by the Justice Department this week ensnared wealthy parents, college administrators, and athletic coaches. But none of the students who were the intended beneficiaries of the scheme were charged or arrested.

The Justice Department charged 33 parents. It says that, in most cases, the children did not know that their test scores were being inflated or their athletic prowess was being invented. I have every reason to believe the Justice Department.

In taped conversations with lawyer Gordon Caplan, William Singer—the man at the center of the scheme—assured Caplan that his daughter would never find out about what he’s done. “She doesn’t know. Nobody knows what happens. It happened, she feels great about herself. She got a test a score, and now you’re actually capable for help getting into a school,” Singer is recorded telling Caplan.

That’s what these parents were really paying for: “She feels great” and gets to go where she wanted to go. Most of the schools involved in this scheme aren’t even that good. Ironically, the parents were paying for their kids to have the positive reinforcement that life is “fair,” and good things will come to those who “deserve” it.

Why the wealthy parents were willing to pay for that, why they evidently felt they had to, is a different matter. The specter of affirmative action hangs over this entire scandal. If you talk to a lot of white people, as I do, you will soon realize that there is a deeply held belief that minorities are out there, “gaining advantages” that are unfairly closed off to other children. I’ve had parents say to me, with a straight face, that I’m “lucky” because my kids are black, and so it’ll be easier for them to get into the college of their choice.

And it’s not just white, Anglo-Saxon parents who believe that “black” is the new “gold” for college admissions. A rainbow of all kinds of other parents also believe that their children have it worse because they’re not black. I’m sensitive to their concerns. I’ve written before that some of these parents aren’t even really wrong to feel like college admissions disadvantage their kids. It’s just that black kids are not their problem. It’s the mediocre rich white kids, exactly the kind of kids whose parents were trying to get them in through this massive racketeering scheme, who are gobbling up a large portion of the slots at elite universities.

Black children have an entirely different problem set to solve for, problems that these parents willfully ignore when it comes time to get their junior into the college of their choice.

I live in a country where black children are regularly killed, brutalized, or harassed, by law enforcement, throughout their lives, but my kids are “lucky,” because of the color of their skin? White parents will call the cops on my kids at the drop of a hat, accuse them of wrongdoing they did not commit, and God forbid my kid wants to date one of their kids, but these same parents think my kids have it easy? There are parents who think that their children would benefit if they had just been born with darker skin.

I cannot nonviolently describe the insult I feel when a parent refers longingly to how my kid will “probably get in.” They’re so cocksure that if the playing field were “level” their kid would outperform mine—and by “level,” they of course mean that the playing field should be studded with all the advantages enjoyed by their forefathers, unexamined and unchallenged by uppity minorities.

You can see the dripping contempt these parents had for actual fairness, laced through the Justice Department’s charges. These parents were happy to lie to get their kids extra time on standardized tests—because, you know, children with actual disabilities have things so easy. These parents were happy to invent athletic skill—because playing sports well is just a “God-given” ability, and it’s not really fair that a kid who spends hours and hours a day practicing gain an “advantage” over their children.

I would gladly pay any amount of money to have my children treated like white children. Any amount. The “race card” is not a boon; it is a hurdle that my kids will have to struggle against for their whole entire lives. I’d pay anything, up to and including my own damn life, to remove that hurdle from them and allow them to live in this world as just another unremarkable human treated with dignity and respect.

But I’m black. And I married a black woman. And our money isn’t good enough to get white people to leave our kids alone.

Even when the playing field is leveled to the point where my kids are allowed to compete on their own merits, white people will never let my kids forget it. If they do get into a good school, white people will question whether they “deserve” to be there. I still get those questions, and I graduated from my “elite” college almost 20 years ago. The nerve of white people, strangers, most of whom I could standardize-test into the frozen ground, to suggest that I wouldn’t have gotten into school without affirmative action is something that I’ve come to expect and am always enraged by.

If my kids are good enough at sports to be legitimately recruited by a school, they won’t be allowed to feel like they “deserve” to be there either. They’ll be treated like dumb jocks who are only there to play ball. If they happen to be good at a sport that generates revenue for the university, the same university that is profiting off of their athletic talents will treat them like a criminal if they accept a gift or even a meal from the people who pay the school to watch them play.

White society never lets minorities forget any help, any opportunity, any kindness, or even any common freaking courtesy. Even when we don’t get “help,” we are assumed to have gotten help, and treated accordingly.

Minorities are constantly told and treated like we’re “lucky” to be here: at the school, or job, or even in the country. We’re expected to be “thankful” for the opportunity, as if somebody gave us a gift, even though we had to work twice as hard to get there as the similarly situated white man.

And when it goes wrong: When we don’t get into the “elite” school because Mommy didn’t buy us a spot, or we didn’t start our own business with access to Daddy’s venture capital, or we couldn’t get a job because nobody in our families plays squash with the employer’s brother-in-law—then some white privileged princeling calls us “lazy.” Then some Republican says we’re “asking for a handout.” Then some professor says “affirmative action is actually reverse discrimination” and relies on my solid upbringing to restrain me from punching him in his stupid mouth.

There are people reading the college-admissions stories who think the scandal is awful, but somehow don’t know that they’ve benefited from that very same system of privilege their whole lives. They don’t know that their children will benefit from those privileges, while my children will not. I know them, I went to school with them. I see some of their outrage now and think, “Buddy, how do you think you got into school?”

The kids, the white kids, they never know. They think they earned it. They always think it’s somebody else who got an “unfair advantage” just because of how they were born. That’s what their parents have taught them.

#racism

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itsfinancethings · 4 years

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Thousands of Hong Kong protesters defied a police ban Thursday night to stage an annual vigil on the anniversary of June 4, 1989 — the date that Chinese tanks rolled into Beijing’s Tiananmen Square to crush a student-led democracy movement.

For the past three decades, semiautonomous Hong Kong has been the only place on Chinese soil allowed to openly hold a mass memorial. But in an unprecedented move that spurred criticism, the government canceled this year’s event, citing the coronavirus outbreak and the need for social distancing.

Just hours before activists started filtering into Victoria Park anyways, risking fines and arrest, Hong Kong’s legislature criminalized insulting China’s national anthem. Anyone found guilty of mocking the “March of the Volunteers” can face up to three years in prison and a fine of up to 50,000 Hong Kong dollars ($6,450).

Opponents perceive the bill as an infringement on the city’s freedom of speech and see in its passage the further erosion of the civil liberties the set Hong Kong apart from the rest of China.

Tensions are already running high after Beijing’s recent moves to tame anti-government protests that paralyzed the Chinese-ruled city for the second half of 2019.

Fresh protests broke out at the end of May after the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) announced plans to impose a national security law targeting acts of subversion and secession. It will most likely be wielded against anti-government protesters, but it has also raised questions over how long Beijing will be willing to tolerate dissent in the wayward enclave, including the commemoration of sensitive historic anniversaries.

In Victoria Park on Thursday night, protesters made their anger and frustrations apparent as they attempted to dismantle the warren of metal barricades and police tape. Others waved the protest flag calling for the “revolution of our times.”

A retired school teacher who asked to be identified only by his surname Yeung due to safety reasons called the national anthem bill “a direct restriction [of] our freedoms.”

The 65-year-old says he has observed the Tiananmen anniversary every year since 1989, when he watched it happened on the television. “It’s my duty,” he says. “I have to stand up, speak out.”

More than 3,000 riot officers were deployed to enforce the vigil ban, according to local media reports. Soon after people began convening in the park, a loudspeaker warned them they could face prosecution for assembling there.

The Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements in China, the group that organizes the annual vigil, called on people around the city to light a candle at 8 p.m. and to observe a moment of silence at 8:09 p.m. from any location.

Lee Cheuk-yan, chair of the alliance, tells TIME he believes political motives were behind the decision to ban the event since locally transmitted coronavirus cases have dwindled.

“If they are so afraid of the virus, if they think the virus is so dangerous to public health, how come they have allowed schools to open?” he says.

While bars, beaches, schools and churches have been allowed to resume operations, the government on Tuesday extended a ban on gatherings of more than eight people for another two weeks. It also extended compulsory quarantine measures for residents arriving from outside Hong Kong.

When police rejected an application to hold this year’s vigil, saying the event would pose a “major threat to public health,” veteran democracy campaigners were alarmed. Some took it as further evidence of Beijing imposing tighter control.

“The June 4 vigil has always been a political irritant to Beijing,” says Andrew J. Nathan, a professor of political science at Columbia University, who co-edited the book The Tiananmen Papers. “Now that Beijing is intensifying control of Hong Kong, it has the opportunity to put an end to this commemoration on Chinese soil of resistance to authoritarianism.”

A symbol of Hong Kong’s autonomy

Hong Kong has long been the main site to publicly commemorate the bloodshed at Tiananmen. Though the official death toll is unknown it is widely believed that hundreds if not thousands were killed.

The anniversary remains a taboo subject on the mainland. An official investigation was never held, and the few who attempt to commemorate it are imprisoned. Even internet searches for any related terms—like the date it happened—are blocked by China’s censorship apparatus.

Read More: ‘I’ve Been Told Lies.’ Young Chinese Recall When They First Learned of Tiananmen

But in Hong Kong, the event draws huge, somber crowds. More than 180,000 were estimated to have gathered in Victoria Park last year. Religious leaders, pro-democracy activists, witnesses and relatives of those killed typically give speeches on the hardcourt soccer field. Unlike the violent clashes between police and protesters that have flared over the last year, the vigil is known to be a peaceful event. Attendees last year stuck around after to collect the garbage and scrape up candle wax.

To Hong Kong’s veteran democracy campaigners, commemorating the Tiananmen crackdown offers a way to visibly demonstrate Hong Kong’s autonomy, and prove its continued exemption from the communist government’s censorship.

The former British colony was reunified with China in 1997, eight years after the Tiananmen bloodshed. But the handover treaty settling the territory’s future had already been inked long before the military crackdown. The images of soldiers suppressing a nascent democracy movement many Hongkongers had actively supported did not bode well for the city’s own aspirations of universal suffrage.

“In 1989 [Hong Kongers] were traumatized by the Beijing massacre; and they cannot forget about it,” Jean-Pierre Cabestan, a political science professor at Hong Kong Baptist University, tells TIME. “The vigil has been part of the Hong Kongers DNA since then, a way to reaffirm Hong Kong identity, distinctiveness, political freedom and autonomy.”

But in recent years, some younger Hong Kongers have shied away from the vigil, saying it is too focused on the past. Others split over the organizing group’s goal to build “a democratic China,” calling it not progressive enough. Many activists want greater democratic freedoms in the territory, and increasingly are calling for independence in Hong Kong as a way to express their hostility toward Beijing, even though most do not think it is feasible.

But on Thursday night, the ban on the vigil and the passage of the national anthem law galvanized some young supporters to come to the park.

“I came because of the recent [protest] movement,” says Rico a 22-year-old university student who gave a pseudonym. He says this is only his second vigil, after he joined an anniversary four or five years ago.

“We’re gathering tonight to show people how much we don’t like the CCP and [to] remind people in the world what the CCP did 31 years ago and what China is doing to Hong Kong now,” he says.

Worries for the future

Many fear that the impending national security legislation will make commemorating the Tiananmen anniversary too dangerous next year. Although the law is aimed at outlawing acts like secession, subversion and terrorism, such charges are regularly used on the mainland to stifle dissent.

“In future years, even if there’s no public health rationale for banning the commemoration, I anticipate that the authorities will find other justifications,” says Nathan, the professor at Columbia University.

“Beijing’s new national security law for Hong Kong looks likely to provide a legal foundation for such future bans, since the commemoration can be considered under such vaguely defined headings as subversion and separatism,” he says.

Former Chief Executive CY Leung acknowledged in an interview last month that the annual vigil and its organizer could both fall afoul of the new national security law, depending on how the legislation is written by Beijing.

Protesters in Victoria Park were not optimistic. “This is probably the last June 4 gathering that Hong Kong will have, maybe the last one ever in China,” says Rico.

In Macau, the only other place within China allowed to commemorate the Tiananmen anniversary, authorities also banned this year’s vigil due to concerns over COVID-19, although there have not been any new confirmed cases in the gambling mecca for almost two months. Approval was also revoked for Macau’s annual, open-air photo exhibition on the massacre.

“The problem is, like in 1989, we are facing the same brutal regime,” says Lee, the Hong Kong vigil organizer.

Despite this year’s ban on the gathering, many Hongkongers still found subtle ways to mark the anniversary. Candles were lit in apartment windows, while smaller events, like readings and church services, were planned across the city.

Jeffrey Wasserstrom, historian and author of Vigil: Hong Kong on the Brink, told TIME that it is possible to imagine a future for the city in which there are no more officially approved large-scale vigils on June 4.

“If that happens, some people will surely find creative ways to keep the tradition of commemoration alive,” he says, “but in subtler ways than a big gathering at Victoria Park.”

Yet this year, even with the event technically banned, thousands of flickering candles once again illuminated faces young and old in Victoria Park. During the moment of mourning, they all fell silent. There was not a police officer in sight.

#IFTTT #Blogger

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apricotlawdsbio-blog · 5 years

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Ignatius Alistair Isaiah Smith

IAIS: I Am Ignatius

What started off as a simple way to document my life as a law student and budding attorney, my blog, lais2008.com, has given me a fresh look on life. I am Ignatius Alistair Isaiah Smith and I am proud to say I’m no longer a lawyer. There’s nothing wrong with the legal profession as a whole, in fact, I’m still amazed at the ways the law can heavily influence a person’s life.

But the aggression you need in the courtroom is something I lacked. The judge and jury staring at me while I attempted to plead my client’s case intimidated me and I always found myself frozen on the spot. Ashamed, I would come home every night and think of all the different things I would have changed about my day in court.

I began to channel that energy into my blog—turning myself into this superhero of the courtroom and always ensuring that my clients got the happy ending they came to me for.

Needless to say, I didn’t even make it through my first year as an attorney before I left the profession for good. I might not have been a good lawyer, but the creative drive I got from writing about my superhero alter ego lit a fire inside of me, and I’ve continued his story since. Meet Captain Quantum.

Captain Quantum

Captain Quantum wasn’t always the brave superhero he is today. It all began ten years ago, when Professor Q. was working on an experiment that would be the breakthrough he needed in his scientific research when he tripped over a broken beaker one of his students dropped.

Professor Q. fell into his particle accelerator, absorbing the chemicals it contained. When he emerged, he wasn’t Professor Q. anymore . . . he was Captain Quantum.

With the ability to breathe fire when someone lies, see into the future, and read minds, Captain Quantum had to learn to master his powers and lead a simpler life. He eventually got his superpowers (mostly) under control, but not without years of training.

Now practicing as a general lawyer who is licensed to practice in all fifty states, Captain Quantum fights to protect the rights of the citizens of the United States in court. Here, you’ll find Quantum’s courtroom battles and watch him overcome his biggest strength and weakness: his superpowers.

The State vs. Tony Cappuccino

Captain Quantum goes by Attorney Q. in court. His first major court case after he became a superhero was against Tony Cappuccino, a member of the mob in New York who had been arrested on a double homicide charge.

Captain Quantum always knows when someone is lying and when someone tells a lie, Quantum has an overwhelming urge to breathe fire at them. When mobster Tony Cappuccino took the stand, it was all Quantum could do to keep his flames under control.

He had to take his mind off of the blatant lies somehow! Captain Quantum mustered all the strength he had in him and focused all of his attention on the Macarena to divert his mind.

Then, Attorney Q. stood before the jury and showed the undeniable DNA evidence of the defendant’s DNA under the nails of the victim and the jury convicted him within thirty minutes of deliberating. In that moment, Captain Quantum knew that he had found his calling.

Captain Quantum and the Crackdown in the Courtroom

Attorney Q had been under a lot of stress lately following the near-drowning of his niece, relationship troubles with Sasha, and a huge caseload. He had heard through the grapevine that he might be going up against a powerhouse Chicago criminal defense lawyer and was feeling concerned with the strength of that particular case.

After work one night, before it was announced by his firm who would be representing this case, Q went home, alone, got some work done, and turned in early. Q has been known to let his emotions get away from him, so he shouldn’t have been as surprised as he was when he had one of the worst nightmares of his entire life.

Not long after falling asleep, Q found himself dreaming he now had a secret identity, and that he was Captain Quantum all the time. This in itself would have been a nightmare for Q, who enjoys living his day-to-day life among all the chaos of his superhero world.

Things begin to worsen in the dream when Captain Quantum finds out that his girlfriend, Sasha, had been kidnapped by a super villain, known Doctor Jellyfish, who had long, jellyfish-like tentacles for hands and wanted to take down Captain Quantum once and for all so he could take over the world.

Captain Quantum is led on a scavenger hunt of sorts to find Sasha, who has been incapacitated by her captors and can therefore not use her own superpowers as Supersonic Sapphire. He finds himself being terrorized in a corn maze, forced to battle a terrifying monster guarding a tower that held the final clue to Sasha’s location.

Once Captain Quantum finally finds his way to Sasha and saves her from the evil Dr. Jellyfish, he is even more surprised to learn that Sasha herself has facilitated the entire kidnapping before she shoves him off of the building to his death!

Q awoke with a scream, not only at the thought of his life ending, but of Sasha really being evil. Was she even a superhero? Q wasn’t one to look too much into his dreams, but he couldn’t help but think to himself that he wouldn’t have dreamed such a thing if Sasha didn’t have something up her sleeve. . .

But, how would Q approach this situation? Would he discuss his fears with her? Embark on a mission for answers? Would he end the relationship and move on?

Captain Quantum Goes to the Dark Side

As we all know, Captain Quantum wasn’t always the man he is today. He had to keep his identity as a superhero secret from everyone in his family, which was especially painful for Q as he was always quite close to his sister, Rachel.

She was just completely confused when he suddenly started to distance himself from her when he first became aware of his superpowers. When she moved to Louisiana to start her own family, Q didn’t even say goodbye to her.

Q has always regretted his decision not to fill his sister in on such a major life change. Rachel knows all about Sasha, but she had no idea about their double lives. All of that changed the day that a drunk driver struck Rachel, leaving her with a serious brain injury and in a coma. Q was completely distraught over what happened to his beloved sister, and even though Captain Quantum is supposed to be one of the good guys, the absolute rage and vengeance he felt thinking about how reckless that drunk driver was sent him over the edge.

In a blind rage, he prepared to take the ultimate revenge against the driver who hurt his sister. Sasha did everything she could to stop him; begged and pleaded with him to see reasons and let the law obtain justice for Rachel, but Captain Quantum knew all too well that sometimes, the good guy loses in court, and he wasn’t about to let this drunk get away with taking his sister from him. He went down to the police station to talk to the police officer who arrested the drunk.

It turned out the vermin had already made bail and was sleeping off his drunken stupor. Captain Quantum used his ability to read minds on the police officer to find out where the drunk lived. Once he heard the address, he made an excuse to leave and immediately set out to kill the man who put Rachel in a coma.

He hopped in his car, ready to do what had to be done when all of a sudden, a catchy jingle on the radio caught his attention, very briefly. It was a commercial for a law firm that helps TBI victims and as he listened, his eyes welled up with tears. He pulled over to the side of the road and sobbed, believing this was a sign from Rachel that he needed to take a minute to calm down before he ruined more than just his life.

Instead of going to the drunk driver’s house, Q made his way back to the hospital where he could be close to Rachel. He held her hand and quietly cried at the thought of losing her, when suddenly she began to wake up! Q hugged his sister so tightly and apologized over and over again for letting her down. She was shocked to awaken to see her big brother, and simply hugged him back. They would never have to worry about losing each other again.

Captain Quantum Meets His Match

Captain Quantum doesn’t live a life of solitude outside of the courtroom; in fact, he’s quite the social butterfly. In the years following his transformation and acclimation to becoming a superhero, Q found himself feeling quite lonely. After all, he didn’t have anyone he could share his secret with, and his friends had no idea the pressure he was under to always be on his A game.

Q’s friends, in an attempt to help him find someone to share his life with, created a profile for him on an online dating website so he could meet someone. Q was shocked at how many replies he received over the next couple of weeks, and after a couple of pretty horrible first dates, he was not looking forward to the next date he had lined up: lunch at Fairfax Farmer’s Market in The Grove.

When Q first saw Sasha, he was wowed—to say the least. It wasn’t so much her looks that drew him in, rather, her free spirit and million-dollar smile. What he didn’t know, however, was that Sasha had a lot more in common with him than he thought.

Supersonic Sapphire

Although Sasha and Q matched on a dating website because they both work as attorneys, Q had no idea that Sasha was actually a superhero, as well. Prior to becoming an attorney, Sasha worked as a chemical engineer at a nuclear power plant, but when she was doused with a uranium mixture in an accident, her life was forever changed.

Sasha became Supersonic Sapphire, an energy vampire who has the ability to drain the energy of those around her, preferably those who are up to no good. Not only does she have the ability to fly through the air at supersonic speeds, allowing her to travel long distances quickly, but she also has mind control powers that she uses to compel defendants into telling the truth when she is in court.

The legal field seemed to be her best option for keeping her identity a secret and using her powers for good, and she has continued working as an attorney ever since she recovered from the chemical spill that brought on her powers.

Attorneys Q. and Sasha Take on Joey Borracho

There are plenty of stories about Captain Quantum and Supersonic Sapphire taking on the law, as well as the story of how Q and Sasha discovered each other’s superhero status, but this one is about their first experience working together to bring down a drunk driver who couldn’t care less.

Q was prosecuting Joey Borracho, who was backed by a renowned car accident lawyer in LA, while Sasha was representing the family of the person who Borracho killed after a night of heavy drinking. Borracho’s lack of remorse or empathy for the situation made things much more devastating than they should have been.

Q and Sasha combined his ability to read minds and her ability to control minds to ensure that Borracho wasn’t able to hide behind his rough exterior. Instead, he was compelled to tell the truth about what happened the night his drunkenness cost another their life.

After Borracho accepted responsibility for his actions, he was sentenced to five years in prison for manslaughter and ordered to pay restitution of $100,000 over a period of 10 years in order to repay the family of the person he killed.

Captain Quantum vs. The Scheming Spouse

As a general lawyer, Attorney Q’s work takes him all over the country. He has several clients in Indiana, and happened to find himself in Terre Haute after he received a desperate call from one woman in particular. This is the story of Captain Quantum versus the scheming spouse.

Attorney Q’s Divorce Client

Mrs. Lindsay Walrus has had Attorney Q on retainer ever since she had her suspicions that her husband of more than thirty years was having an affair. She never thought their marriage would come to an end, and she didn’t believe in divorce. However, Mrs. Walrus also is one smart lady, and she knew well enough to protect herself in case her husband wasn’t all he appeared to be.

Unfortunately, her marriage came to an end one night when Mrs. Walrus came home to find her husband’s mistress moved in, and her belongings moved out. In tears, she called Attorney Q to come and help her figure out what her next step would be.

He arrived in Brazil, Indiana the following night after booking her a hotel in nearby Terre Haute for the evening, where he consulted with a family law attorney in Milwaukee to ensure there weren’t any local laws that could get in his way. Q is a compassionate attorney, and in charge of Mrs. Walrus’s estate as well, so he helped Mrs. Walrus get set up into an apartment while they attempted to work through the terms of the divorce settlement with Mr. Walrus’s divorce attorney.

Unfortunately, they were unable to come to an arrangement, as Mr. Walrus felt like Mrs. Walrus shouldn’t be entitled to spousal support—he claimed he didn’t have any money to financially support her and himself (and his new bride-to-be).

They were set to appear in court for a hearing, and Attorney Q wasn’t sure how he was going to be able to win if there wasn’t any money, but Captain Quantum had an inkling that there may be more to the story than Mr. Walrus was willing to admit.

What Happened in Court

Attorney Q does his best not to let his superhero alter ego take control, but when he goes up against people who are doing wrong, he often can’t help himself despite his efforts. Sure enough, as the hearing began, Captain Quantum emerged.

While Mr. Walrus took the stand to explain that he didn’t have any more money, claiming he had gambled it all away, Captain Quantum read his mind and discovered that he had placed the money in an international bank account so Mrs. Walrus couldn’t touch it.

Once he knew this piece of information, during cross-examination he was able to get Mr. Walrus to admit that he had hidden the money during a series of rapid-fire questions. In the end, the judge turned over the total amount in the bank account, a total of $3,675,000, to Mrs. Walrus!

Though Captain Quantum had to use his powers to gain the advantage in court, he’ll do whatever he must to ensure that justice is served for his clients.

Captain Quantum and the Tears of Time

Spencer Chapman and Attorney Q go way back. They met on the first day of their freshman year in college when they became roommates of their shared dorm. Spencer was unaware, as most people are, of Q’s secret identity as a superhero, but all of that was about to change in the aftermath of the worst day of his life.

It was a beautiful Fourth of July in Spencer’s hometown of Lancaster, and Q and Sasha came to celebrate Independence Day with the family after dropping off some legal documents for a Los Angeles car accident attorney. The guys were barbecuing when suddenly Sasha and Spencer’s wife, Jamie, came running towards them with Spencer’s daughter, Hailey, in his arms.

Hailey was just three years old and had snuck into the pool at some point during the cookout. An ambulance was called, but despite their efforts to revive her, she was pronounced dead at the hospital. Spencer and Jamie were completely distraught, as any parent would be, and Q thought desperately of what he could do to help. Unfortunately, Q’s superpowers were completely useless in this situation, as were Sasha’s.

Sasha asked to speak with Q privately and told him of a compound she had been working on at her lab that might be able to help. She had been trying to increase the strength of her powers when she discovered that the makeup of the chemicals could not only increase her current powers, but create new ones just by thinking them. She never told Captain Quantum what she had discovered for ethical reasons, but she now knew that, sometimes, the rules must be bent. Hailey’s death was something Sasha couldn’t live with when she knew she could save her.

With Spencer and Jamie in mourning, Q and Sasha headed back to her lab in Miami overnight using Sasha’s supersonic speed. Once there, Q showered in the chemical mixture, thinking that he wished he could have the power to turn back time. With no time to waste, they hurried back to Vestavia Hills to be with Spencer and Jamie.

Once they arrived, Captain Quantum went out to the pool where Hailey had drowned and dipped his fingers in the water. As he did, he stood frozen in time as the last 24 hours reversed in slow motion.

He watched himself and Spencer laughing over the grill… Sasha and Jamie playing Red Rover with the kids… and finally, the moment Hailey quietly slipped away to the pool. He saw her start to get in and trip over the ladder. It was then that he took his hand out of the pool and hurriedly pulled Hailey out while she coughed up pool water.

Everyone came rushing towards Hailey, concerned for what had just happened. With two Q’s there and no reasonable explanation, Q had to explain to the group about what had just happened. Spencer and Jamie were stunned, incredulous, but grateful that their daughter was safe.

The two Captain Quantum’s now had to figure out what consequences there would be for changing the past, and what the original Q was going to do next. Stay in this time, or go back to the future.

Risking It All

Helping put criminals away and get justice for families in need isn’t just what Captain Quantum does, it’s who he is. In his early days, he used to uncover some pretty serious crimes. . . like the time he discovered his brother, Jimbo, had become involved with a gang that was successful in a string of bank robberies.

These days, Captain Quantum understands the seriousness of those types of crimes, and without having superhuman strength and a lack of empathy, he’s not a violent guy. With that being said, nothing heats Q up more than injustice, which brings us to his recent investigation into a potential Ponzi scheme. His victim? Q’s own mother.

Things first came to light during Thanksgiving, as many family issues do. The family was seated around the large table and his mother had spent the entire day cooking their Thanksgiving feast. Inevitably, the dinner conversation turned into an inquisition on when Q was going to pop the question to his longtime girlfriend (and fellow superhero) Sasha. Q’s mom was getting desperate for grandchildren, and the more people joked, the more uncomfortable Q became.

He quickly changed the topic of conversation to his success in the stock market. Q’s mom mentioned that she had also recently begun investing. This piqued Q’s interest, as he knew his mother had zero experience in investing.

She began to tell them about how a stockbroker by the name of Kendrick Henderson had called her on the phone one day and mentioned this incredible investment opportunity he had for her. She went on to describe what was essentially an electric toothbrush for dentures, and Q outwardly winced.

He immediately knew this had to be a scam, but before he broke his mother’s heart, he had to find out more. While his mother chatted on excitedly about how she was going to make a ton of money, he began taking notes.

The following day, Q went to work to find out more about this Kendrick Henderson. As it turns out, he had been previously investigated by the Department of Justice after an SEC whistleblower reported that he was involved in insider trading. Q knew he wouldn’t even need his powers to bring this guy down.

Q made an anonymous tip to the SEC after that, with concerns that Henderson was operating a Ponzi scheme. Months later, his mother called him, telling him angrily about how the stockbroker she was working with was just arrested for investment fraud! Fortunately, his mother was able to obtain her return before his arrest, after some gentle prodding from her son, Q.

Three Reasons Why Captain Quantum Is a Better Superhero Than Batman

Whenever you were asked who your favorite superhero was growing up, you probably said Spiderman, Superman, or Batman. While Spiderman and Superman are incredible superheroes, there are issues to address with Batman. With Captain Quantum growing in popularity, it merits reviewing the top three reasons why Captain Quantum is a better superhero than the Caped Crusader.

Batman Breaks the Law

First of all, Captain Quantum isn’t a law breaker. They don’t call Batman a vigilante for nothing. He is always destroying public property and turning to violence to get justice. Captain Quantum not only never hurts people or property, but he also quite literally holds criminals and bad guys accountable in a court of law; killing two birds with one stone, figuratively speaking.

Captain Quantum Doesn’t Need Fancy Gadgets and Equipment

Bruce Wayne is the wealthiest man in Gotham and has all of the best gadgets, not to mention his luxurious batmobile. If Batman really wanted to do right by Gotham, he would have used some of his wealth to make the city a better place . . . maybe donate some money or build homeless shelters. Instead, he uses his wealth to build outrageous devices that he might use once before it gets destroyed.

All Captain Quantum needs to get the job done is himself. He never turns to violence and only uses his powers when it becomes absolutely necessary. Q isn’t wealthy like Bruce Wayne, but if he was, there is no way he would hoard all of that money to himself.

Batman Has a Superiority Complex

Batman claims to have this rule about not killing people, but he has no problem seriously injuring civilians and even killed everyone in the League of Shadows to save one criminal. Let’s be honest here, the injuries these people have suffered are probably worse than if they had been killed in many cases.

Setting aside the fact that Captain Quantum has never been known to be violent with the bad guys, Captain Quantum understands that his ability to read minds is an invasion of personal privacy, and he does everything he can to avoid using this power just for that reason. However, he isn’t above doing so when it means justice for those who have been wronged.

Honestly, Batman is an overrated superhero who gets way too much credit. Seriously, Mr. Freeze is a better superhero than him, and that guy was supposed to be a villain, but that’s a whole other story. Captain Quantum may not be the only superhero the people need, but they certainly need him more than they need Batman.

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deniscollins · 5 years

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He Committed Murder. Then He Graduated From an Elite Law School. Would You Hire Him as Your Attorney?

In 1992, at age 19, Bruce Reilly killed a community college professor while high on drugs and engaged in sex and was sentenced to 20 years, followed by 25 years of probation. He was paroled in 2005 and graduated from Tulane Law School in 2014, but it’s highly unlikely that he could pass the “character and fitness” portion of the bar admissions process. If you were a law office manager, would you hire Mr. Reilly to do public policy research and advocacy: (1) Yes, (2) No? If yes, would you inform co-workers about his murder background? Why? What are the ethics underlying your decisions?

Last September, a group of academics and activists gathered at Princeton University to discuss the limits of artificial intelligence in public policy.

The longest debate concerned some of the most sensitive decisions in the justice system, like whether to release a person on bail or parole. Many in attendance were queasy about using algorithms to determine prison stays — not least because crime data tends to reflect racial bias. But one conference goer in particular stood out for his skepticism.

His name was Bruce Reilly. The deputy director of a New Orleans organization called VOTE, which advocates for the formerly incarcerated, Mr. Reilly is a minor celebrity in the field. He was a sounding board for the leader of the recent Florida ballot campaign that restored voting rights to up to 1.4 million former felons, and helped lead similar initiatives in Rhode Island and Louisiana.

Mr. Reilly, 45, has playful eyes, weathered skin and a boyish voice, and at Princeton, he wore a dark blazer that did not appear to be his natural uniform. Though it was barely midmorning, his shirt was already threatening to decamp from his pants as he turned to address a Princeton postdoctoral researcher sitting next to him.

“Statistically,” Mr. Reilly told her, “the safest person to let out of prison is a murderer.” The academic, Madelyn Sanfilippo, screwed up her face in apparent disbelief.

“You seem like a person who cares about statistics,” Mr. Reilly continued, arguing that people convicted of lesser crimes often cycle in and out of prison, while someone serving a long sentence for murder has typically matured out of crime by the time he is released.

“That makes sense,” Ms. Sanfilippo said, warming to the claim.

They talked amiably for a few more minutes. When they were done, Mr. Reilly turned and whispered in my ear: “She has no idea.”

‘You need to be broken’

In September 1992, a Rhode Island community college professor named Charles Russell picked up a 19-year-old hitchhiker on an interstate. The two men eventually made it to Mr. Russell’s home, where they smoked marijuana and talked books for hours.

About a week later, the hitchhiker returned. The two men talked and smoked again. But as Mr. Russell performed oral sex on him, the younger man became enraged. He picked up a knife and began stabbing at Mr. Russell’s neck.

Mr. Russell tried to defend himself with a fireplace poker, but the man wrested it from his hand and beat him until he stopped moving. As the younger man was dressing, Mr. Russell rose to his feet, picked up a small statue and charged. The man took the statue away and delivered several more blows, fatally crushing Mr. Russell’s skull.

A year later, acting on a tip, the police arrested Bruce Reilly. He confessed that he had snapped during the sexual encounter, and that the fight had escalated once Mr. Russell fought back.

“I was reacting — I had stuff built up inside of me,” Mr. Reilly told me. Facing life in prison, he accepted a deal to plead guilty to second-degree murder, and a judge sentenced him to 20 years, followed by 25 years of probation.

Many of Mr. Reilly’s high school friends were shocked, if not entirely surprised. He had always been precocious, but his home life was a mess — his mother was in and out of psychiatric institutions, and he lived in foster care for years as a young child. As a teenager, he dealt drugs and stole license plates. He was accepted to college but didn’t fill out the paperwork in time to qualify for financial aid. He was constantly hustling from one dead-end gig or sketchy apartment to another, until one night he ended up at the home of the man he would kill.

In prison, Mr. Reilly became something of an ascetic. He read and wrote for hours each day and strictly limited his TV intake. He accumulated a small circle of friends who believed he had special insight into surviving incarceration. They would write essays on a chosen topic, like whether democracy was the best form of government, and circulate them for feedback.

When they debated prison reform, their views were a mix of Old Testament justice and New. They came to believe that their dreary sentences were central to their rehabilitation.

“You need to be broken,” Greg Tovmasian, a member of the group, told me. “You need to be completely honest with yourself about why you’re in there. If you’re constantly on the phone, talking to people out there, your head is still in society.” The flip side, they believed, was that if a person had done his grappling and come through it, there ceased to be a point to keeping him locked up.

Mr. Reilly was often the most effective legal adviser his fellow inmates ever consulted. He spent hundreds of hours studying case law in the prison library and wrote dozens of petitions, briefs and motions. He helped at least two fellow prisoners reduce their sentences by several years. “It was like magic to people — like mixing chemicals,” said his friend Steven Parkhurst, who is still in prison.

Mr. Reilly was paroled in 2005. He enrolled at Rhode Island College, worked low-wage jobs and became active in a local civil rights group that’s now known as OpenDoors. The organization was campaigning for a ballot initiative to restore the voting rights of felons after their release, and Mr. Reilly eventually worked as a strategist and volunteer coordinator for the effort, which passed.

To help continue his work on behalf of the formerly incarcerated, Mr. Reilly applied to law school. Although he scored in the top 7 percent on the standardized entrance exam, he didn’t have a bachelor’s degree, and only one of more than two dozen schools accepted him. In the fall of 2011, Mr. Reilly arrived on the campus of Tulane University — and almost immediately confronted the question that still dogs him today.

The purest test of mainstreaming

The political consensus for bringing former convicts back into society’s mainstream has shifted faster this decade than at any other moment in modern history. Late last year, President Trump signed into law a watershed bill reducing prison sentences for a range of federal offenders, with backing from a coalition that ranged from the American Civil Liberties Union to the Koch brothers. Numerous cities and states have enacted “ban the box” laws, preventing employers from asking about criminal history on a job application. The Florida initiative whose leader Mr. Reilly counseled passed by a nearly two-to-one ratio.

But many of these recent gains have accrued to nonviolent offenders. What about rehabilitation for those who have committed a brutal crime?

“We as a culture have yet to confront forgiveness for someone who commits a crime that we universally agree” is abhorrent, Mr. Reilly once told me, using an expletive. “The drug offender — that person should not even be in jail,” he continued. “The hard questions are reintegration for people the criminal justice system was actually designed for.” People like him.

Since I started tracking his career, in 2013, I’ve come to think of Mr. Reilly, whom prosecutors once described as a manipulative “predator,” as the purest test of America’s commitment to mainstreaming ex-felons. Even as Mr. Reilly makes it his life’s work to advance the cause, he finds himself illustrating its limits. That’s both because his crime was so severe and because he is not satisfied merely to be housed or employed. He craves elite credentials and recognition, like advanced degrees and fellowships, and wants to work on cutting-edge legal issues.

Last summer, I attended a Soros Justice Fellowships conference in New Orleans with Mr. Reilly, who had been invited to appear on a panel about solitary confinement. Funded by the liberal billionaire George Soros, the organization behind the conference is one of the country’s largest financial backers of criminal justice reform.

As he collected his name tag from a table, Mr. Reilly glanced down at the other names and began identifying who had won various fellowships, grants and accolades. “I’ve applied to them all, have not gotten any of them,” he said. And then, referring to his efforts in Louisiana and Rhode Island, he added with a degree of pride: “But apparently you don’t need a fellowship to win voting rights.”

When Mr. Reilly got to Tulane Law School in 2011, he initially fell in with a circle of students interested in civil rights and unfazed by his past. “He straight-up told me he had been convicted of murder,” one classmate, Allyson Page, recalled. “I was like, ‘O.K., that’s cool.’ I wasn’t expecting that, but I didn’t care that much.”

But within a few weeks, another student began to broadcast Mr. Reilly’s criminal record across campus. Some classmates complained that his presence compromised their safety and would make it harder for them to land jobs.

The story — ex-murderer at exclusive law school! — was picked up by the popular legal blog Above the Law. An unnamed student wondered if, “when placed in one of the most stress-inducing environments in the United States, Mr. Reilly will reach his tipping point and live up to his violent past.” Another espoused a form of Nimby-ism: “I think felons should get a second chance. But why at Tulane? What are we, the law school for murderers?”

TV crews turned up near his house. A producer for “Dr. Phil” called Mr. Reilly on his cellphone; a reporter from “Inside Edition” staked out his apartment.

Publicly, David Meyer, the law school’s dean, was statesmanlike. Tulane’s admissions process “allows for the possibility of redemption even in exceptional circumstances of tragedy and hardship,” he told Above the Law. But privately, Mr. Meyer seemed as panicked as anyone. Susan Krinsky, the dean of admissions, said in an interview that Mr. Meyer had told her, “You have endangered this entire community.” (Ms. Krinsky left Tulane about a year later, and Mr. Meyer declined to comment.)

Mr. Reilly, fearing Tulane would revoke his admission, tried to lie low. But he soon realized he had to stop his classmates from getting their information secondhand, off the internet. And he tried to convince his peers, one at a time, that he belonged.

“Bruce was in the hallway — he was friends with people who were conservative, people who were liberals,” recalled Tony Viviani, a close friend. “One of the most staunch conservative guys was an Alabama grad. He was talking football with him, smacking right back.”

Two years later, when I was in New Orleans to give a talk, I arranged to meet Mr. Reilly for coffee. I was fascinated by how someone could live in two completely different worlds, one familiar to me, the other unimaginable. But as the appointment got closer, I started to worry. I had a daughter, a wife. Was it really such a good idea to schmooze with a murderer?

When we did meet, we chatted for nearly an hour about writing and fatherhood. (Mr. Reilly has a daughter from a relationship in Rhode Island.) He was humble and thoughtful, and I was immediately embarrassed by the vague scenarios I had played out in my head.

Still, to this day, I sometimes struggle to shake my mental image of his crime. And I can’t help thinking: If Mr. Reilly worked at, say, a top-shelf law firm, how many partners would claim the office next to his? Bunk with him on a corporate retreat? Introduce him to their spouse and children?

Although Mr. Reilly apologized to the Russell family at his sentencing hearing in 1996, it takes only a little probing to affirm how fresh his crime remains. His victim’s sister-in-law, Marilyn Rodriguez, told me that she and her two children had been especially close to Mr. Russell, and that his death had “made a mess of our whole family.”

“The hurt is still in our family,” she added. “It can’t be undone.”

Confined by his past

Mr. Reilly, who graduated from Tulane in 2014, would like to be able to practice law, but it’s highly unlikely that he could pass the “character and fitness” portion of the bar admissions process. He’s interested in data and internet privacy issues, but he’s hard-pressed to get a foothold in such fields.

After getting his law degree, Mr. Reilly searched unsuccessfully for a position that would suit his qualifications: policy jobs in Washington, entertainment-law gigs in Los Angeles, even a job with the Tribeca Film Institute in New York. He landed only two interviews and struggled to discuss his criminal record with prospective employers.

“Once you let the debate go there,” Mr. Reilly said, “now they’re visualizing you killing someone.”

Finally, after nearly six months piling credit card debt on top of his student loans, he landed a job in New Orleans as a paralegal at the Capital Appeals Project, which represents indigent people on death row. From there he moved to another criminal justice reform organization and eventually to VOTE.

Last summer, Mr. Reilly was part of a small team of activists that met with Roger Goodell, the commissioner of the National Football League, and executives for the New Orleans Saints. He briefly told his story, explaining how he was an impulsive teenager before committing his crime, but came out of prison an adult. He made a plea for the Saints and the league to throw their weight behind initiatives that would ease assimilation. The executives nodded sympathetically.

Mr. Reilly makes a quick impression with his intellect. When he was a law student, for example, it took him only a few hours of research to conclude that Louisiana’s ban on voting by felons on probation or parole probably violated the state’s Constitution, and a large group of legal scholars agreed. Still, the fact that Mr. Reilly has devoted his professional life to the rights of the formerly incarcerated — as opposed to a less personal issue like genetically modified foods, another law school interest — testifies to the way his past confines him.

In some ways, he confines himself. Mr. Reilly has a habit of leaning into stereotypes about felons, almost as a political protest, and I sometimes wonder if it is self-defeating. The T-shirts he favors do little to conceal his tattoos, and he leans heavily on jailhouse idiom when he speaks. There are frequent allusions to “bids” (tours in prison), “guys in the yard” (fellow prisoners) and “shankings” (stabbings with a makeshift weapon).

Race also complicates his upward trajectory in an uncomfortable way. After Mr. Reilly introduced me as a journalist to fellow reformers at the Soros conference, some responded with a measure of irritation: Criminal justice issues disproportionately affect minorities, and I was going to profile a white guy? From Rhode Island? Who went to a fancy law school?

Mr. Reilly is the first to concede the advantages he has over former inmates who are black or Latino. “I can go incognito as a white guy,” he said. But he is still pained by the skepticism his race sometimes provokes among progressives.

Then there is the continuing threat to his freedom, in which even a seemingly minor political dispute can escalate into a crisis.

In December, a judicial oversight committee in New Orleans ruled that a candidate for a local judgeship had made false statements about Mr. Reilly’s employer, VOTE. On the day of the ruling, the candidate, Marie Williams, applied for a temporary restraining order against Mr. Reilly, saying he had harassed her through social media, filed baseless claims against her and endorsed her opponent.

The temporary order was granted — Louisiana has a low threshold for such actions — and a judge found probable cause to believe that Mr. Reilly violated the order when his lawyer reached out to Ms. Williams to request that she withdraw it. Now a pending warrant for his arrest could send him to jail. Mr. Reilly’s lawyer hopes to resolve the matter this month, when a court will consider the case.

The sheer hysteria of a murder conviction

Mr. Reilly is encouraged by the growing number of formerly incarcerated people who have gained entree into elite professions and rarefied social strata. He cites with pride his friend Andres Idarraga, who spent time in prison for selling drugs and later earned a law degree from Yale and worked for the famed law firm Boies Schiller Flexner; and Reginald Dwayne Betts, an acclaimed poet who graduated from Yale Law after serving time for a carjacking. Neither of them, though, has a murder conviction.

A vanishingly small number of such people have even begun to claw their way toward mainstream respectability after serving their sentences. Michelle Jones, who published original historical research while serving more than 20 years for the murder of her young son, lost out on a place in a Harvard Ph.D. program when the school overruled its own history department. (She gained admission to New York University.)

Mr. Reilly’s prison friend Greg Tovmasian, who was convicted of second-degree murder, abandoned his application to the University of Rhode Island when he was told that he would have to meet with a university official to be considered. “I just wasn’t ready emotionally to face another parole board,” Mr. Tovmasian said. Instead he earned an economics degree at the smaller Rhode Island College.

Mr. Reilly believes that by telling his story, he can help diminish the sheer hysteria a murder conviction can inspire. But while he has been granted more audiences from the likes of Princeton and the New Orleans Saints, Mr. Reilly has not found that organizations outside the criminal justice field are rushing to work alongside him, in close quarters, for sustained periods. They see him as a source of information or a helpful perspective, but rarely as a potential colleague or friend.

At the Princeton A.I. conference, Mr. Reilly had a long and seemingly productive conversation about life after prison with a man named Chuck Howell, who had an impressive job at a company that manages federal research and development centers. But later, as the two men bantered about police departments and the issue of disciplining rogue cops, Mr. Reilly spun out an extended prison metaphor.

If a gang member wrongs an inmate from a different gang, he said, leaders from the offender’s group will typically agree to punish him on their own. From where I stood, Mr. Howell, who had seemed engaged and receptive at the beginning of the exchange, started to look uncomfortable.

“The problem with the cops is they don’t do it,” Mr. Reilly continued, meaning that police departments don’t rein in rogue officers. “If you were a real gang, you’d off that guy. I’m not saying off that guy — but take care of it.”

Mr. Howell went quiet. The conversation was never the same again.

#Murder #Lawyers

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Nature #MeToo Brought Down 201 Powerful Men. Women Are Nearly Half of Their Replacements.

Nature #MeToo Brought Down 201 Powerful Men. Women Are Nearly Half of Their Replacements. Nature #MeToo Brought Down 201 Powerful Men. Women Are Nearly Half of Their Replacements. http://www.nature-business.com/nature-metoo-brought-down-201-powerful-men-women-are-nearly-half-of-their-replacements/

Nature

Nature 201 lost jobs or major roles

Nature 122 replacements: 53 women and 69 men

Who Was Ousted and Who Stepped In

Nature Harvey WeinsteinOct. 5, 2017

Producer and co-founder, the Weinstein Company

Nature Andy Mitchell & Milos Brajovic

Co-presidents of Lantern Entertainment

Nature Charlie RoseNov. 20, 2017

Television host

Nature

Christiane Amanpour

Host, “Amanpour & Company”

▼ View all 201 cases below

They had often gotten away with it for years, and for those they harassed, it seemed as if the perpetrators would never pay any consequences. Then came the report that detailed Harvey Weinstein’s sexual assaults and harassment, and his fall from Hollywood’s heights.

A year later, even as the #MeToo movement meets a crackling backlash, it’s possible to take some stock of how the Weinstein case has changed the corridors of power. A New York Times analysis has found that, since the publishing of the exposé (followed days later by a New Yorker investigation), at least 200 prominent men have lost their jobs after public allegations of sexual harassment. A few, including Mr. Weinstein, face criminal charges. At least 920 people were reportedly subjected to sexual misconduct by someone on the list. And nearly half of the men who have been replaced were succeeded by women.

In the year preceding the Weinstein report, by contrast, fewer than 30 high-profile people made the news for resigning or being fired after public accusations of sexual misconduct. The downfall of the Fox host Bill O’Reilly in April 2017 turned out to have been just a foreshock of the changes to come.

“We’ve never seen something like this before,” said Joan Williams, a law professor who studies gender at the University of California, Hastings. “Women have always been seen as risky, because they might do something like have a baby. But men are now being seen as more risky hires.”

[Sign up here for Gender Letter, our newsletter that helps you keep up with the world, and the women shaping it.]

Sexual harassment has hardly been erased in the workplace. Federal law still does not fully protect huge groups of women, including those who work freelance or at companies with fewer than 15 employees. New workplace policies have little effect without deeper cultural change. And as the Supreme Court confirmation battle over Brett Kavanaugh showed, Americans disagree on how people accused of sexual misconduct should be held accountable and what the standard of evidence should be.

But the analysis shows that the #MeToo movement shook, and is still shaking, power structures in society’s most visible sectors. The Times gathered cases of prominent people who lost their main jobs, significant leadership positions or major contracts, and whose ousters were publicly covered in news reports.

Forty-three percent of their replacements were women. Of those, one-third are in news media, one-quarter in government, and one-fifth in entertainment and the arts. For example, Robin Wright replaced Kevin Spacey as lead actor on “House of Cards,” Emily Nemens replaced Lorin Stein as editor of “The Paris Review,” and Tina Smith replaced Al Franken as a senator from Minnesota.

People Replacing Men Accused of Sexual Misconduct

Women are starting to gain power in organizations that have been jolted by harassment, with potentially far-reaching effects.

“I find it so interesting the number of people who come up to me and say, ‘Thank you for stepping in when someone needed to step in,’” Ms. Smith said. “That’s a lot of what women do a lot of the time, right?”

Appointing a woman does not guarantee change. Women have also harassed and covered up harassment. Some women face the glass cliff — in which women are appointed to leadership in times of organizational crisis, when the chance of failure is higher. And while the share of women who have risen to power in the wake of Mr. Weinstein’s fall is significant, women are still vastly underrepresented at the top of American institutions.

Research has repeatedly shown that women tend to lead differently. In general, they create more respectful work environments, where harassment is less likely to flourish and where women feel more comfortable reporting it. Female leaders tend to hire and promote more women; pay them more equally; and make companies more profitable. Women bring their life experiences and perspectives to decision-making, and that can help in business because women make the vast majority of purchasing decisions. In government, women have been shown to be more collaborative and bipartisan, and promote more policies supporting women, children and social welfare.

That has been true in Congress, said Ms. Smith, a Democrat. In a highly polarized Senate, women tend to be unusually collegial across party lines, she said, and the 23 female senators meet for dinner monthly.

Nature Al FrankenNov. 16, 2017

U.S. senator for Minnesota

Resigned after accusations of groping and improper advances from at least six women. He apologized but denied many of the allegations.

▼ View all 201 cases below

“I believe you’re successful and you get things done if you have relationships with people,” she said. “That’s the ground for accomplishing something, certainly in the legislative world.”

One example: She and Senator Lisa Murkowski, Republican from Alaska, discovered that they both worked on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline in high school. The bond they built from shared experience helped them when they co-sponsored mental health legislation that was included in the opioid crisis response bill passed last month.

In news media and entertainment, many women who ascended to jobs vacated by men have changed the tone and substance of what they offer audiences — and in some cases, the fallout from #MeToo has shaped their decisions.

Nature Roy PriceOct. 12, 2017

Head of Amazon Studios

Resigned after a Hollywood producer accused him of making unwanted sexual advances.

▼ View all 201 cases below

Jennifer Salke, who took over for Roy Price as head of Amazon Studios, has said Amazon needed more “big, addictive shows for women.” She has announced deals with the actors Lena Waithe and Nicole Kidman, among others.

Since Tanzina Vega took over from John Hockenberry as host of “The Takeaway,” the public radio program, she has done many episodes about gender, including on masculinity, women’s anger and the intersection of gender and race — topics that she had been covering for years but that she said were now part of the national conversation.

“I don’t think that’s necessarily because I’m a woman, but it’s just that as a woman, as a Latina, I know when the conversation hasn’t been about women, and I’m deeply sensitive to that,” said Ms. Vega, who was previously a reporter at CNN and The New York Times.

Nature John HockenberryDec. 1, 2017

Host of WNYC’s “The Takeaway”

After he left “The Takeaway,” nine women accused Mr. Hockenberry of sexual harassment, including unwelcome sexual advances. He apologized, describing his behavior as “rude, aggressive and impolite.”

▼ View all 201 cases below

Women’s personal experiences, including as mothers, can make workplaces more welcoming to other women. That’s the hope of Christine Tsai, who is chief executive of the tech investment firm 500 Startups, where she replaced Dave McClure in early 2017 after an internal investigation into his behavior toward women in the tech community.

“I’ve erred on the side as C.E.O. of being more open about it, like if one of my kids has an appointment, so hopefully it creates an environment where people don’t feel like they have to hide that they have obligations to family,” she said. “Sure, a guy can be sensitive to those things, but I think it helps having that empathy of what it’s like for moms.”

The women who have risen, however, can only make so much change — they are still operating in a male-dominated system. More than 10 percent of the ousted men have tried to make a comeback, or voiced a desire to, and many never lost financial power.

The comedian Louis C.K. recently took the stage at the Comedy Cellar in New York, raising questions of how long is long enough for people to be banished from their field, and who gets to decide. Garrison Keillor, the radio host, has restarted “The Writer’s Almanac” as a podcast and reportedly received $275,000 for a deal in which Minnesota Public Radio reposted archived episodes of his programs. Jerry Richardson, the founder and former owner of the Carolina Panthers, was fined $2.75 million by the N.F.L. after he was accused of sexual harassment — but sold the team for at least $2.2 billion, a record amount.

When people accused of harassment return to power without making amends — or never lose it, at least financially — it limits the post-Weinstein movement’s potential to change how power is exercised in American society.

They have not experienced the same type of trauma that survivors have, said Tarana Burke, the founder of the #MeToo movement, which she started in 2006 to support survivors of sexual harassment and violence (the hashtag went viral a year ago this month as women used it to tell their stories of harassment and violence). And very few have shown that they have taken responsibility for their actions or offered private apologies to those they harmed, she said.

“Where’s the self-reflection and accountability?” she said. “Perhaps if we saw some evidence of that, then we can have a more robust conversation about the road to redemption.”

In the meantime, these women say, there are more than enough qualified women ready to take their places in power.

“A bunch of us who took over these jobs got promoted because we were really good at these jobs,” said Ms. Vega, the radio host. “We have the skills, we have the experience, we have the work ethic and we have the smarts to do it, and it’s time for us to do this job.”

The 96 Men Who Were Replaced

Of the men who lost their jobs, 50 have been replaced by at least one woman in an interim or permanent capacity. The date for each entry indicates when news broke of accusations, or when a firing, resignation or other fallout was announced.

Nature Harvey WeinsteinOct. 5, 2017

Producer and co-founder, the Weinstein Company

Accused by dozens of women of sexual misconduct ranging from harassment to abuse and rape. He has been criminally charged in Manhattan with sexually assaulting two women. The Weinstein Company later went bankrupt and was bought and rebranded as Lantern Entertainment. Mr. Weinstein, who was fired from his film production company, has said all of his encounters were consensual.

Nature

Andy Mitchell

Co-president of Lantern Entertainment

Nature

Milos Brajovic

Co-president of Lantern Entertainment

Nature Lockhart SteeleOct. 12, 2017

Editorial director, Vox Media

Fired after being accused of sexual harassment of at least one person. Vox Media’s chief executive said Mr. Steele admitted to misconduct.

Nature Roy PriceOct. 12, 2017

Head of Amazon Studios

Resigned after a Hollywood producer accused him of making unwanted sexual advances.

Nature Chris SavinoOct. 17, 2017

Creator of Nickelodeon’s “The Loud House”

Fired after accusations of sexual harassment from multiple women. He apologized.

Nature

Michael Rubiner

Co-executive producer of “The Loud House”

Nature Cliff HiteOct. 17, 2017

Ohio state senator

Resigned after a woman filed a sexual harassment complaint against him, citing unwanted advances. He later said that he had behaved inappropriately.

Nature Robert ScobleOct. 19, 2017

Co-founder of the Transformation Group, an augmented reality company

Resigned after being accused of sexual assault or inappropriate behavior with three women. He apologized for “inappropriate” behavior.

Nature John BeshOct. 21, 2017

Chief executive, Besh Restaurant Group

Stepped down from day-to-day operations after accusations of sexual harassment from multiple employees. He apologized.

Nature Caleb JenningsOct. 24, 2017

Chicago organizer for Service Employees International Union

Fired after accusations of “sexual misconduct and abusive behavior.” Found not guilty of assault in court.

Nature Mark HalperinOct. 26, 2017

Political journalist

NBC News, Penguin Press, HBO and Showtime severed ties with Mr. Halperin after accusations of sexual harassment by former co-workers. He apologized and admitted to several years of “inappropriate” behavior.

Nature

Alex Wagner

Co-host of Showtime’s “The Circus”

Nature Rick NajeraOct. 26, 2017

Director of CBS’s Diversity Showcase

Resigned after an investigation into accusations that he made inappropriate and lewd comments to performers. In a statement, he said he was “confounded by deliberate and cruel defamations.”

Nature Kevin SpaceyOct. 29, 2017

Actor

Dropped from his Netflix show, “House of Cards,” and was replaced in the film “All the Money in the World” after he was accused of forcing himself on a minor. He apologized. More men have come forward accusing Mr. Spacey of behaving inappropriately toward them.

Nature

Robin Wright

Netflix “House of Cards” star

Nature

Christopher Plummer

J. Paul Getty in “All the Money in the World”

Nature Hamilton FishOct. 30, 2017

Publisher and president of The New Republic

Resigned after accusations of inappropriate conduct, and said he had “a lot to learn” about the treatment of women in the workplace.

Nature

Rachel Rosenfelt

Publisher and vice president of The New Republic

Nature Andy DickOct. 31, 2017

Actor

Fired from two films after accusations of sexual harassment. He pleaded not guilty to a sexual battery charge in July and denied claims of groping.

Nature

Jonathan Pessin

Oliver in “Vampire Dad”

Nature Michael OreskesOct. 31, 2017

Head of news at NPR and former New York Times editor

Resigned after accusations of sexual harassment of three women. He apologized and called his behavior “wrong and inexcusable.”

Nature Ira SilversteinOct. 31, 2017

Illinois state senator

Resigned as majority caucus chairman after sexual harassment accusations, which he denied. He lost his re-election bid in a March primary.

Nature

Mattie Hunter

Majority caucus chair

Nature Jeff HooverNov. 1, 2017

Kentucky state representative and speaker of the House

Resigned as speaker after settling a sexual harassment claim made by a staffer but remains in office. Mr. Hoover said the alleged harassment, consisting of inappropriate text messages, was consensual.

Nature

David Osborne

House speaker pro tempore

Nature Kendall FellsNov. 2, 2017

Organizing director of the Service Employees International Union’s Fight for 15 campaign

Resigned amid a broad investigation into harassment and employee misconduct within the union.

Nature Sam AdamsNov. 3, 2017

Director of U.S. branch of the World Resources Institute

Left his job as the director of the U.S. branch of a think tank after a former staffer said Mr. Adams sexually harassed him when he was the mayor of Portland, Ore. Mr. Adams called the accusations false and said his decision to leave the think tank was unrelated.

Nature Ed WestwickNov. 6, 2017

Actor

Cut from the BBC show “Ordeal by Innocence” after three women accused him of sexual assault. He denied the accusations. Prosecutors in Los Angeles declined to press charges because of lack of evidence.

Nature

Christian Cooke

Mickey Argyll in “Ordeal by Innocence”

Nature Don ShooterNov. 7, 2017

Arizona state representative

Expelled by the Arizona House of Representatives for “dishonorable” behavior after an investigation found he sexually harassed multiple women, including fellow lawmakers. Mr. Shooter apologized and said he had done “stupid things,” though he raised questions about the investigation’s claims.

Nature Benjamin GenocchioNov. 8, 2017

Executive director of the Armory Show art fair

Replaced as executive director of the Armory Show, a top international art fair in New York, following accusations from several women of unwelcome touching and inappropriate sexual comments. Mr. Genocchio said he “never intentionally acted in an inappropriate manner” but apologized “to the extent my behavior was perceived as disrespectful.”

Nature Dan SchoenNov. 8, 2017

Minnesota state senator

Resigned after allegations of sexual harassment from multiple women. He denied some allegations while claiming that others were “taken far out of context.”

Nature Louis C.K.Nov. 9, 2017

Comedian and producer

Lost his production deal with FX after he admitted to multiple instances of sexual misconduct, including masturbating in front of several women. Distribution for a film he wrote and starred in was canceled, and he lost a voice role in “The Secret Life of Pets” franchise. He recently began performing again, unannounced, at comedy clubs in the New York area.

Nature

Patton Oswalt

Max in “The Secret Life of Pets 2”

Nature Tony CornishNov. 9, 2017

Minnesota state representative

Resigned after accusations that he propositioned lawmakers and lobbyists for sex. He apologized.

Nature Tony MendozaNov. 9, 2017

California state senator

Resigned after accusations that he made improper advances toward several women. He denied the accusations. A State Senate investigation found that he “more likely than not” made unwanted advances.

Nature Andrew KreisbergNov. 10, 2017

Executive producer of superhero dramas “Arrow,” “Supergirl,” and “The Flash”

Fired after accusations of sexual harassment and inappropriate physical contact. He denied the allegations.

Nature

Greg Berlanti

Took on additional responsibilities as an executive producer of “The Flash” and “Supergirl”

Nature Eddie BerganzaNov. 10, 2017

Editor at DC Comics

Fired following accusations that he “forcibly kissed and tried to grope colleagues.”

Nature

Brian Cunningham

Group Editor of Superman titles

Nature

Marie Javins

Group Editor of Justice League titles

Nature Gary GoddardNov. 10, 2017

Founder of the Goddard Group

Stepped away from his company after accusations that he molested eight former child actors. He denied the accusations. The company was renamed “Legacy | GGE.”

Nature Brian LinderNov. 10, 2017

Kentucky state representative

Replaced as chairman of a pension committee, after a report that he was one of four state legislators who signed a sexual harassment settlement with a staff member. He apologized for unspecified “mistakes.”

Nature

Jerry Miller

Chairman of the Public Pension Oversight Board

Nature Jim DeCesareNov. 10, 2017

Kentucky state representative

Replaced as chairman of an economic development committee, after a report that he was one of four state legislators who signed a sexual harassment settlement with a staff member. He said he has “done nothing to be ashamed of.”

Nature

Phillip Pratt

Chairman of the Economic Development and Workforce Investment Committee

Nature Michael MeredithNov. 10, 2017

Kentucky state representative

Replaced as chairman of a local government committee, after a report that he was one of four state legislators who signed a sexual harassment settlement with a staff member.

Nature

Rob Rothenburger

Chairman of the House Local Government Committee

Nature Steve LebsockNov. 10, 2017

Colorado state representative

Expelled by the Colorado House of Representatives after accusations of sexual harassment, including discussing sexual acts, by at least five women. He denied the accusations.

Nature Jeff KruseNov. 15, 2017

Oregon state senator

Resigned after an independent investigation found that he had sexually harassed and inappropriately touched multiple women. He denied the accusations.

Nature Paul RosenthalNov. 15, 2017

Colorado state representative

Lost committee vice-chairmanship and re-election after accusations of groping. The complaints were dismissed by the Colorado General Assembly. Mr. Rosenthal said he was “innocent of any wrongdoing.”

Nature

Tony Exum Sr.

Vice Chair of the House Local Government Committee

Nature Wes GoodmanNov. 15, 2017

Ohio state representative

Resigned following accusations of “inappropriate behavior” inside his office. Then further allegations emerged that Mr. Goodman had for years solicited consensual sex from other men and had once groped a college student. He acknowledged the initial allegations and apologized.

Nature Al FrankenNov. 16, 2017

U.S. senator for Minnesota

Resigned after accusations of groping and improper advances from at least six women. He apologized but denied many of the allegations.

Nature David SweeneyNov. 16, 2017

Chief news editor at NPR

Left after accusations of sexual harassment from three female colleagues.

Nature Randy BaumgardnerNov. 16, 2017

Colorado state senator

Stepped down as chair of the transportation committee after being accused of sexually harassing a former legislative aide. An independent investigation found the claim credible. Mr. Baumgardner denied the accusations. The State Senate voted against expelling him.

Nature

John Cooke

Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee

Nature Stephen BittelNov. 16, 2017

Chairman, Florida Democratic Party

Resigned after six women accused him of sexually inappropriate comments and behavior.

Nature Charlie RoseNov. 20, 2017

Television host

Fired by CBS and PBS after accusations of crude sexual advances by several women. He said he acted insensitively but that many of the allegations were inaccurate.

Nature

Christiane Amanpour

Host, “Amanpour & Company”

Nature Glenn ThrushNov. 20, 2017

White House reporter at The New York Times

Suspended and then reassigned to a new beat after sexual harassment accusations made by four female journalists.

Nature Raul BocanegraNov. 20, 2017

California state assemblyman

Resigned after being accused of sexual harassment, including groping, of at least six women. He said he was “not guilty of any such crimes,” though he was “not perfect.”

Nature John LasseterNov. 21, 2017

Chief creative officer of Pixar and Walt Disney Animation

Stepped away after accusations of unwanted workplace hugging and other inappropriate touching. He apologized. He has a consulting role until the end of the year.

Nature

Jennifer Lee

Chief creative officer, Walt Disney Animation Studios

Nature

Pete Docter

Chief creative officer, Pixar Animation Studios

Nature Matt LauerNov. 27, 2017

Television news anchor

Fired from NBC after being accused of inappropriate sexual behavior toward a fellow staffer. Others also said they were subject to unwanted advances. He apologized but said some of the accusations were untrue.

Nature

Katie Couric

Co-host for Winter Olympics

Nature

Hoda Kotb

Co-anchor, NBC’s “Today” show

Nature Johnny IuzziniNov. 29, 2017

Chef and judge on ABC’s “The Great American Baking Show”

Fired after accusations of sexual harassment, including unwanted touching, of at least six former employees who were female. He denied some allegations, and said none of his behavior was “meant to hurt people.”

Nature

Sherry Yard

Judge on ABC’s “The Great American Baking Show”

Nature Blake FarentholdDec. 1, 2017

U.S. representative for Texas

Dropped his re-election bid and later resigned amid harassment accusations and a report that he used taxpayer money to settle a sexual harassment claim brought by a former employee. He apologized for creating an “unprofessional” workplace culture.

Nature Josh ZepnickDec. 1, 2017

Wisconsin state representative

Refused to resign after two women said he kissed them against their will. He was eventually removed from legislative committee assignments.

Nature

Gary Hebl

Member of the Committee on Federalism and Interstate Relations

Nature Dean WestlakeDec. 3, 2017

Alaska state representative

Resigned after being accused of sexual harassment, including groping, by seven current and former aides. He apologized.

Nature James LevineDec. 3, 2017

Conductor at the Metropolitan Opera

Fired in March by the Metropolitan Opera, which said that an investigation had “uncovered credible evidence” that he had engaged in sexually abusive and harassing conduct. He is now suing the Met for breach of contract and defamation.

Nature Matt DababnehDec. 4, 2017

California state assemblyman

Resigned after being accused of sexual harassment by two women, including masturbating in front of one of them. He denied the accusations.

Nature Peter MartinsDec. 4, 2017

Ballet master in chief, New York City Ballet

Retired after accusations of sexual harassment and physical and verbal abuse by multiple dancers. He denied the allegations and a company investigation did not corroborate the claims.

Nature Sam IsalyDec. 5, 2017

Managing partner of OrbiMed Advisors

Retired after multiple former employees accused him of sexual harassment, including playing pornography in the workplace. He denied the accusations.

Nature Lorin SteinDec. 6, 2017

Editor of The Paris Review

Resigned amid an internal investigation into his conduct with multiple female employees and writers. He also resigned from his at-large editorship at the publishing house Farrar Straus & Giroux. Mr. Stein apologized and said that he had “blurred the personal and the professional.”

Nature Matt ManwellerDec. 6, 2017

Washington State representative

Stripped of ranking committee membership and fired from his Central Washington University professorship after accusations of sexual harassment, which he denied. He is on the general election ballot for November but said he planned to resign if re-elected.

Nature

Gina Mosbrucker

Ranking minority member of House Labor and Workplace Standards Committee

Nature

Joyce McDonald

Assistant minority floor leader

Nature Joe AlexanderDec. 7, 2017

Chief creative officer, the Martin Agency

Left the company shortly before it announced an accusation of sexual harassment against him. A week later, he was accused of sexual harassment, including unwanted advances, by several employees. He denied the allegations.

Nature Bryan SingerDec. 7, 2017

Director and producer

Lost his executive producer credit for the TV series “Legion” after a lawsuit alleged that he sexually assaulted a 17-year-old boy in 2003. A representative for Mr. Singer said he categorically denied the allegations. Days before the lawsuit was filed, he was fired as director of the movie “Bohemian Rhapsody.” He will retain a director’s credit for the movie.

Nature

Dexter Fletcher

Director, “Bohemian Rhapsody”

Nature Trent FranksDec. 7, 2017

U.S. representative for Arizona

Resigned amid an ethics investigation over accusations that he asked two female staff members to bear his child as surrogates. He said he regretted that the conversations had “caused distress.”

Nature John MooreDec. 11, 2017

Mississippi state representative

Resigned citing health reasons. Days later, it emerged that multiple women had accused him of sexual harassment and that the Legislature was preparing an investigation into the accusations at the time of his resignation. Mr. Moore said, “I don’t know who would make a complaint, much less multiple.”

Nature Tom AshbrookDec. 11, 2017

Host of WBUR’s “On Point”

Dismissed after complaints of bullying and sexual misconduct, including unwanted touching, by current and former station employees. An investigation found Mr. Ashbrook’s conduct “was not sexual in nature.” He apologized for behavior that was “offensive and overbearing to some.”

Nature Eric WeinbergerDec. 12, 2017

President of the Bill Simmons Media Group

Suspended, and later left the company, after a former NFL Network wardrobe stylist said in a lawsuit that Mr. Weinberger had sent her lewd messages. The lawsuit was settled in September.

Nature Maxwell OgdenDec. 13, 2017

Executive director of Code for Science & Society

Resigned after a former girlfriend accused him of sexual abuse. He apologized and said he would seek help.

Nature

Mathias Buus

Technical adviser at Code for Science & Society

Nature

Danielle Robinson

Co-executive director at Code for Science & Society

Nature

Joe Hand

Co-executive director at Code for Science & Society

Nature Jerry RichardsonDec. 15, 2017

Owner of the Carolina Panthers N.F.L. team

Fined $2.75 million by the N.F.L. after an investigation into sexually harassment of female employees. Mr. Richardson later sold the team for a record $2.2 billion. He did not comment on the allegations.

Nature

Tina Becker

Chief operating officer

Nature Stephen HendersonDec. 15, 2017

Editorial page editor, the Detroit Free Press

Fired after an investigation found inappropriate behavior with two female colleagues. Mr. Henderson acknowledged sexually themed conversations and unwanted advances, but said he disagreed with the decision.

Nature T.J. MillerDec. 19, 2017

Actor

A show he was working on for Comedy Central was canceled and he was dropped as the spokesman for Mucinex after a woman accused him of hitting and sexually assaulting her while in college. Mr. Miller denied the accusations.

Nature

Jason Mantzoukas

Spokesman for Mucinex

Nature Don HazenDec. 21, 2017

Executive editor, AlterNet

Resigned after being accused of sexually harassing five female employees. He denied most of the accusations, though later said he “lost track of some boundaries.”

Nature Charlie HallowellDec. 27, 2017

Chef and owner of three Oakland, Calif., restaurants

Sold two restaurants after 17 former employees accused him of sexual harassment, including unwanted advances and sexual comments. He apologized.

Nature

Jen Cramer

Co-owner of Boot and Shoe Service, a restaurant

Nature

Richard Clark

Co-owner of Boot and Shoe Service, a restaurant

Nature

Rico Rivera

Owner of Penrose, a restaurant

Nature H. Brandt AyersJan. 1, 2018

Chairman, Consolidated Publishing

Resigned after a former reporter said Mr. Ayers sexually assaulted her by spanking her. He admitted to once spanking a different reporter.

Nature Kevin BraunJan. 5, 2018

Editor in chief of E&E News

Left management role after accusations of sexual harassment of staff members. He apologized. He is still a co-owner of the company.

Nature Paul HaggisJan. 5, 2018

Screenwriter and director, and founder of the charity Artists for Peace and Justice

Resigned from his charity after accusations of rape and sexual assault. He denied the accusations.

Nature

Ben Stiller

Co-chairman of the board of Artists for Peace and Justice

Nature

Susan Sarandon

Co-chairwoman of the board of Artists for Peace and Justice

Nature Eric GreitensJan. 10, 2018

Missouri governor

Resigned after he was accused of taking an explicit photo of a woman without her consent and threatening to blackmail her. He said he had an extramarital affair but denied breaking any laws. Mr. Greitens was indicted on a charge of invasion of privacy, but it was dropped.

Nature William G. JacobyJan. 11, 2018

Editor of the American Journal of Political Science

Resigned after accusations of sexual harassment from a former student. He denied the accusations.

Nature Rob MooreJan. 22, 2018

Managing editor, The New York Daily News

Fired after accusations of sexual harassment, including sexual comments.

Nature

Kristen Lee

She left in August.

Nature Zach FanslerJan. 25, 2018

Alaska state representative

Resigned after a woman said that he slapped her twice when she denied his sexual advances. He denied the accusation.

Nature Steve WynnJan. 26, 2018

Chief executive, Wynn Resorts

Resigned after accusations that he harassed female employees for decades and coerced them into having sex. He denied the accusations.

Nature John CopleyJan. 29, 2018

Stage director, Metropolitan Opera

Fired after he was accused of making a sexually charged remark to a member of the chorus.

Nature

Roy Rallo

Stage director for “Semiramide”

Nature Wayne PacelleJan. 29, 2018

Chief executive of the Humane Society

Resigned after three women accused him of sexual harassment, including forcible kissing and unwanted advances. He denied the accusations.

Nature

Kitty Block

Acting president and chief executive

Nature Paul ShapiroJan. 30, 2018

Vice president at the Humane Society

Resigned after six women complained that he sexually harassed them, including by making lewd jokes and asking for sex. He denied the accusations.

Nature Paul MarcianoJan. 31, 2018

Executive chairman of Guess, Inc.

Resigned after several women accused him of sexual harassment and assault. A company investigation found he “exercised poor judgment,” and his brother replaced him. Mr. Marciano denied the accusations.

Nature Joseph M. SoukiFeb. 1, 2018

Hawaii state representative

Resigned after multiple women accused him of unwanted sexual advances. He acknowledged “inappropriate” touching and kissing.

Nature Javier PalomarezFeb. 12, 2018

Chief executive of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Stepped down amid accusations of financial impropriety and after a former staffer accused him of sexual harassment. He denied the accusations.

Nature Karl TemplerFeb. 16, 2018

Stylist and creative director of Interview Magazine

Left the magazine after three women accused him of unwanted touching of their breasts and crotches. He denied the accusations.

Nature Lawrence M. KraussFeb. 22, 2018

Professor at Arizona State University and director of the Origins Project

Replaced as director after a university investigation found that he had grabbed a woman’s breast at a conference. He denied the accusation.

Nature Jorge I. DomínguezFeb. 27, 2018

Professor at Harvard University and chair of the Harvard Academy

Resigned after 18 women accused him of sexual harassment and assault, including unwanted touching, spanning decades. “I do not go around making sexual advances,” he said.

Nature

Timothy J. Colton

Chair of the Harvard Academy

Nature

Melani Cammett

Chair of the Harvard Academy

Nature Jeff FranklinFeb. 28, 2018

Showrunner, “Fuller House”

Removed after accusations that he was verbally abusive and made sexually charged comments in the writers’ room and on set.

Nature Tony TookeMarch 1, 2018

Chief of the United States Forest Service

Resigned after a United States Department of Agriculture investigation into sexual misconduct. “I expect to be held to the same standards as every other Forest Service employee,” he said.

Nature Angel ArceMarch 8, 2018

Connecticut state representative

Resigned amid accusations that he sent inappropriate messages to a teenage girl. Mr. Arce’s lawyer said his client did nothing improper.

Nature Michael W. Ferro Jr.March 19, 2018

Chairman of the newspaper publisher Tronc

Stepped down hours before Fortune magazine published an article in which two women accused him of making inappropriate sexual advances. A spokesman for Mr. Ferro said that the accusations “appear to involve private conduct.”

Nature Bill HybelsMarch 22, 2018

Lead pastor of Willow Creek church

Retired after a group of former pastors and staff members accused him of sexual misconduct — accusations he initially called “flat-out lies.” He later apologized for “making people feel uncomfortable.”

Nature

Heather Larson

She left in August.

Nature

Steve Carter

He left in August.

Nature

Steve Gillen

He started in August.

Nature Eric T. SchneidermanMay 7, 2018

Attorney general of New York

Resigned hours after news reports that he assaulted four women. He denied the accusation.

Nature Howard KwaitMay 11, 2018

Principal of John Bowne High School in Queens

Was reassigned after lawsuit settlements to four women who accused him of inappropriate touching, discrimination and making lewd comments.

Nature Demos ParnerosJuly 3, 2018

Chief executive of Barnes & Noble

Was fired without public explanation. It was later revealed that the termination was in part because of accusations of sexual harassment by an executive assistant. He played down the interactions as “innocuous.”

Nature

Leonard Riggio

Executive chairman overseeing a team that shares the duties of the office of the chief executive

Nature Bernard UzanJuly 26, 2018

Co-director of Florida Grand Opera’s Young Artists program and co-founder of Uzan International Artists

Resigned from the opera after four female singers accused him of sexual misconduct and named his daughter to take over his agency. He has denied the accusations.

Nature

Vanessa Uzan

Managing Director of Uzan International Artists

Nature Corey J. ColemanJuly 30, 2018

Head of human resources for FEMA

Resigned amid an internal investigation that found “deeply disturbing” sexual misconduct that spanned years, according to FEMA leadership. He denied the claims, and his lawyers said that investigators relied on “rumor and innuendo.”

Nature

Bridget Bean

Acting head of human resources

Nature Nick SauerAug. 1, 2018

Illinois state representative

Resigned after a former girlfriend complained that he had been releasing nude photos of her on Instagram. He said his ability to work in his role would “be affected by the distraction of addressing these allegations.”

Nature Leslie MoonvesSept. 9, 2018

President, chairman and chief executive of CBS Corporation

Left CBS after a dozen women accused him of sexual misconduct and retaliating against those who rejected his advances. Mr. Moonves said he “may have made some women uncomfortable” but denied misusing his position “to harm or hinder anyone’s career.”

Nature

Joseph Ianniello

President and acting chief executive officer

The Seven Men Whose Positions Are Vacant

Several politicians left their seats vacant, but elections will fill them soon.

See also: Replaced | Not Replaced | Women | Back to Top ↑

Nature Jack LatvalaNov. 3, 2017

Florida state senator

Resigned after investigation into accusations of groping and sexually harassing multiple women. He denied the accusations.

Nature John Conyers Jr.Nov. 20, 2017

U.S. representative for Michigan

Resigned after accusations of repeated sexual advances toward female staff members. He denied the accusations.

Nature Patrick MeehanJan. 20, 2018

U.S. representative for Pennsylvania

Resigned after a report that he used taxpayer money to settle a sexual harassment complaint by a former aide. He denied wrongdoing.

Nature Nicholas KettleFeb. 19, 2018

Rhode Island state senator

Resigned after being charged with extorting sex from a student page. He denied the accusations and pleaded not guilty in February.

Nature David SawyerFeb. 23, 2018

Washington State representative

Resigned as commerce committee chairman after an outside investigation found that he made unwanted romantic advances toward a co-worker, for which he apologized. He lost his primary in August.

Nature Duane HallFeb. 28, 2018

North Carolina state representative

Lost his primary after multiple people accused him of sexual innuendo and unwanted sexual advances. He denied the accusations.

Nature Dillon BatesAug. 3, 2018

Maine state representative

Denied accusations of sexual misconduct and stated his intent to serve out his term. Eventually resigned.

The 98 Men Who Have Not Been Replaced

Most lost their jobs or standing and have no clear successors, or their replacements have yet to be named or are unknown.

See also: Replaced | Vacant | Women | Back to Top ↑

Nature Andy SignoreOct. 5, 2017

Senior vice president, Defy Media

Fired after being accused of sexually assaulting one woman and harassing several others. Through a lawyer, he denied all accusations.

Nature Roman PolanskiOct. 13, 2017

Director

Expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences after a woman who said Mr. Polanski sexually assaulted her when she was 10 years old started a petition to remove him. The Los Angeles police opened an investigation into the accusation, which Polanski denied. Polanski previously pleaded guilty to sex with a minor in 1977 and fled the country before sentencing. Over the years, he was accused by six women of sexual abuse, most when they were minors. He has continued to make films in Europe.

Nature Matt MondanileOct. 16, 2017

Founder of Ducktails and former guitarist for the band Real Estate

Plancha, a Japanese label, dropped Ducktails. A tour was canceled after accusations of “touching, kissing, and groping” women without their consent. Mr. Mondanile apologized.

Nature Scott CourtneyOct. 19, 2017

Executive vice president, Service Employees International Union

Resigned amid an investigation into accusations of sexual misconduct among leaders of a union campaign. Several people had complained that Mr. Courtney had a history of sexual relationships with young female staff members, who were later promoted.

Nature Tyler GrashamOct. 20, 2017

Agent at Agency for the Performing Arts

Fired after accusations that he sexually assaulted and harassed multiple young men in the industry, prompting one of his top clients to leave the firm.

Nature James TobackOct. 22, 2017

Director and screenwriter

Dropped by his longtime agent after 38 women accused him of sexual harassment. Mr. Toback has denied the accusations.

Nature Terry RichardsonOct. 23, 2017

Fashion photographer

Banned from working with Condé Nast after accusations of sexual harassment of models. A spokeswoman said his interactions were consensual.

Nature Leon WieseltierOct. 24, 2017

Editor at The New Republic

New magazine was canceled after he was accused of sexual harassment and inappropriate advances by several women. He apologized.

Nature Steve JurvetsonOct. 24, 2017

Co-founder of Draper Fisher Jurvetson, a venture capital firm

Resigned after being accused of sexual misconduct. He has denied the allegations and started his own venture firm.

Nature Knight LandesmanOct. 25, 2017

A publisher of Artforum

Resigned as a publisher of Artforum magazine in October 2017 after nine women accused him in a lawsuit of various forms of sexual harassment. He denied the accusations.

Nature Ken BakerOct. 26, 2017

Journalist for the E! network

Left after two women accused him of sexual harassment.

Nature Kirt WebsterOct. 27, 2017

Music publicist

Numerous clients cut ties after accusations of sexual assault or harassment of multiple people.

Nature Jeremy PivenOct. 30, 2017

Actor

His show “Wisdom of the Crowd” was canceled after several women accused him of sexual misconduct. He said the cancellation decision “was a terrible mistake” and has denied accusations.

Nature Paul J. WhalenOct. 31, 2017

Professor at Dartmouth College

Resigned after an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct recommended that he be fired.

Nature Todd F. HeathertonOct. 31, 2017

Professor at Dartmouth College

Retired after an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct recommended that he be fired. He acknowledged that he “acted unprofessionally in public at conferences while intoxicated” and apologized.

Nature William M. KelleyOct. 31, 2017

Professor at Dartmouth College

Resigned after an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct recommended that he be fired.

Nature Brett RatnerNov. 1, 2017

Producer and director

Lost a production and financing deal with Warner Bros. after he was accused of sexual assault or harassment by six women. A lawyer for Mr. Ratner denied the accusations.

Nature Danny MastersonNov. 2, 2017

Actor

Fired from and written out of a Netflix show, “The Ranch,” after accusations surfaced that he raped four women in the early 2000s. A fifth woman later came forward to accuse Mr. Masterson of rape. He denied the accusations.

Nature David GuillodNov. 2, 2017

Co-chief executive of Primary Wave Entertainment agency

Resigned after accusations of sexual assault from four women. The Santa Barbara County sheriff’s department opened an investigation in December. Mr. Guillod’s attorney denied any criminal conduct.

Nature Adam VenitNov. 3, 2017

Head of the motion picture group at William Morris Endeavor agency

Stepped down as head of the motion picture group and later retired after acknowledging that he groped the actor Terry Crews. Mr. Venit apologized in a letter to Mr. Crews.

Nature Michael HaffordNov. 3, 2017

Freelance writer

Banned from contributing to Vice websites after multiple women reported that he abused or raped them. He had previously written a “Male Feminist” column for the website Broadly. He did not commented on the accusations.

Nature Jeffrey TamborNov. 8, 2017

Actor

Fired from the Amazon show “Transparent” after a fellow cast member and a former assistant accused him of sexual harassment on set. He denied any deliberate harassment.

Nature Jesse LaceyNov. 9, 2017

Lead vocals and guitar for the band Brand New

Canceled a tour for his band after sexual misconduct accusations from a woman who said he had exploited her when she was a minor. In a general apology for his behavior, Mr. Lacey said that he had not “afforded women the respect, support or honesty that they deserved.”

Nature Mark SchwahnNov. 11, 2017

Showrunner of “One Tree Hill” and “The Royals”

Fired from “The Royals” after multiple women accused him of sexual harassment. He did not publicly responded to the accusations.

Nature Tom SizemoreNov. 13, 2017

Actor

Dropped as male lead from a horror film, “The Door,” after a report that he groped an 11-year-old actress on a movie set in 2003. He denied the accusation and was sued by the actress this year.

Nature Andy HenryNov. 15, 2017

Casting director, Nancy Nayor Casting

Fired after it came to light that he had been dismissed from his role as a casting employee on “C.S.I.” in 2008 after several women said that he had urged them to disrobe during auditions. He apologized. After his departure from Nancy Nayor Casting, a new team was assembled there.

Nature Jason MojicaNov. 15, 2017

Head of documentary films at Vice Media

Fired after accusations of sexual harassment. Mr. Mojica said that he was “deeply disappointed by this outcome.”

Nature Cameron MitchellNov. 17, 2017

Talent agent at Creative Arts Agency

Fired after a lawsuit accused him of sexual assault. Mr. Mitchell has said the accuser was “fabricating her story.”

Nature Russell SimmonsNov. 19, 2017

Co-founder of Def Jam Recordings and other businesses

Stepped down from his companies amid accusations of sexual assault and rape from multiple women. He denied the accusations.

Nature Garrison KeillorNov. 29, 2017

Creator and former host of “A Prairie Home Companion”

Minnesota Public Radio severed ties with him after accusations of inappropriate behavior, later described as “sexually inappropriate incidents.” In April, it returned archived episodes of his programs, “A Prairie Home Companion” and “The Writer’s Almanac,” to its websites. Mr. Keillor recently restarted “The Writer’s Almanac” as a podcast. He denied doing anything wrong.

Nature Israel HorovitzNov. 30, 2017

Playwright and founding artistic director of the Gloucester Stage theater

Fired after accusations of groping, forcibly kissing and rape. Mr. Horovitz said he recalled events differently but apologized.

Nature Justin HuffNov. 30, 2017

Broadway casting director at Telsey & Company

Fired after accusations of sexual misconduct toward actors.

Nature Shervin PishevarNov. 30, 2017

Co-founder of Sherpa Capital, a venture capital firm

Resigned after five women accused him of sexual harassment, including unwanted touching. He said the accusations were “untruthful attacks.”

Nature Ruben KihuenDec. 1, 2017

U.S. representative for Nevada

Decided to not seek re-election after being accused of unwanted sexual propositions. He denied the accusations.

Nature Jonathan SchwartzDec. 6, 2017

Host on WNYC, a station owned by New York Public Radio

After complaints of sexual harassment, the company said he was fired for violating standards “for providing an inclusive, appropriate, and respectful work environment.” Mr. Schwartz denied that he had behaved inappropriately. He now hosts a show on a website, The Jonathan Station.

Nature Leonard LopateDec. 6, 2017

Host on New York Public Radio

After complaints of sexual harassment, the company said he was fired for violating standards “for providing an inclusive, appropriate, and respectful work environment.” Mr. Lopate said he had “never done anything inappropriate on any level.” He now hosts a show on the New York FM station WBAI, which is carried as a podcast by the NPR affiliate Robin Hood Radio.

Nature Alex KozinskiDec. 8, 2017

Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Retired after six female subordinates accused him of sexual misconduct or inappropriate comments. He said it was never his intent to make his staff members uncomfortable.

Nature Donovan McNabbDec. 11, 2017

Radio host on ESPN and former N.F.L. player

Fired by ESPN after a former NFL Network wardrobe stylist said in a lawsuit that he sent her explicit messages. The lawsuit was settled in September.

Nature Eric DavisDec. 11, 2017

Radio host on ESPN and former N.F.L. player

Fired by ESPN after a former NFL Network wardrobe stylist said in a lawsuit that he groped her and made lewd comments. The lawsuit was settled in September.

Nature Mario BataliDec. 11, 2017

Chef, restaurant owner and co-host of ABC show, “The Chew”

Fired by ABC and was expected to divest from his restaurants after accusations of sexual harassment, including inappropriate touching, by several employees. Two women also accused him of sexual assault. Mr. Batali has apologized for some behavior, but denied accusations of nonconsensual sex.

Nature Marshall FaulkDec. 11, 2017

Analyst for NFL Network

Suspended, and will not be returning, after a former NFL Network wardrobe stylist said in a lawsuit that Faulk fondled her and pulled out his genitals while demanding oral sex. The lawsuit was settled in September.

Nature Ryan LizzaDec. 11, 2017

Writer for The New Yorker and political analyst for CNN

Fired by The New Yorker and suspended by CNN over an accusation of “improper sexual conduct,” which he denied. He has since returned as a CNN analyst, after a CNN investigation “found no reason to continue to keep Mr. Lizza off the air.” He was hired in June by Esquire as its chief political correspondent.

Nature Heath EvansDec. 11, 2017

Analyst for NFL Network and former NFL player

Suspended and then terminated by the network after accusations of sending a co-worker sexually explicit photos. He called the accusations “false.”

Nature Ike TaylorDec. 11, 2017

Analyst for NFL Network and former NFL player

Suspended after accusations of sending a coworker “sexually inappropriate” photos and video. Eventually lost employment at the network.

Nature Ken FriedmanDec. 12, 2017

Chef and restaurateur

Took an indefinite leave of absence after 10 employees accused him of unwanted sexual advances. Mr. Friedman later dissolved his partnership with April Bloomfield and split up ownership of their restaurants.

Nature Tavis SmileyDec. 13, 2017

Host of PBS talk show, “Tavis Smiley”

PBS stopped distributing Mr. Smiley’s show after an investigation found “credible allegations” that he had sexual relationships with subordinates. Some witnesses reportedly expressed concern that their jobs were tied to continuing the relationships, which Mr. Smiley said were consensual. He filed a lawsuit against PBS, and it filed a countersuit, detailing more alleged sexual misconduct. Mr. Smiley now hosts a show on The Word Network.

Nature Brad KernDec. 14, 2017

Producer of “NCIS: New Orleans”

Fired after an investigation into accusations of misconduct including sexual harassment, discrimination and making racially insensitive comments.

Nature Morgan SpurlockDec. 14, 2017

Director

Stepped down from his production company and said he was “part of the problem” in a social media post. He revealed that he had been accused of rape in college and had later settled a separate sexual harassment claim.

Nature Daylin LeachDec. 17, 2017

Pennsylvania state senator

Ended his campaign for Congress after he was accused of sexual harassment and inappropriate touching by multiple staff members. Mr. Leach denied any inappropriate touching. He remains in the State Senate.

Nature Chuck CloseDec. 20, 2017

Artist

The National Gallery of Art canceled a planned exhibition after accusations by several women that Mr. Close sexually harassed them when they went to his studio to pose for him. He said he was sorry if he had made the women feel uncomfortable.

Nature Marcelo GomesDec. 21, 2017

Principal dancer at American Ballet Theater

Resigned after being accused of sexual misconduct. His spokeswoman said, “This is a time of reflection for Marcelo.”

Nature James RosenDec. 22, 2017

Chief Washington correspondent, Fox News

Left after accusations of sexual harassment, including groping and attempted forcible kissing, of female colleagues.

Nature Mike GermanoDec. 23, 2017

Chief digital officer at Vice Media

Placed on leave and did not return after two women accused him of sexual harassment, including pulling one of them onto his lap. Mr. Germano has said he did “not believe that these allegations reflect the company’s culture.”

Nature Rhys JamesDec. 23, 2017

Producer at Vice Media

Vice reached a settlement in early 2017 with a co-worker who accused him of making sexist comments. In the agreement, Vice and Mr. James denied any liability. He was placed on leave in November and no longer works at the company.

Nature David DiazJan. 3, 2018

Children’s book illustrator

Resigned from the board of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators after a woman said that he had sexually harassed her in 2012. Mr. Diaz apologized to the woman and said he underwent sexual harassment training after a complaint that year. He said he felt pressured to resign.

Nature Ben VereenJan. 5, 2018

Actor and singer

A production group cut ties with him after multiple women accused him of sexual misconduct, including unwanted kisses and degrading comments. He apologized.

Nature Jeremy TookerJan. 6, 2018

Founder of Four Barrel Coffee

Agreed to divest from the company after accusations of sexual assault by former employees.

Nature Andy SavageJan. 9, 2018

Memphis megachurch pastor

Resigned after a woman accused him of sexually assaulting her when she was 17. He acknowledged that he engaged in a “sexual incident.”

Nature Joel KramerJan. 13, 2018

Stunt coordinator

Dropped by Worldwide Production Agency after an actress accused him of sexually assaulting her when she was 12 during the filming of “True Lies.” He denied the accusation.

Nature Mario Testino Jan. 13, 2018

Fashion photographer

Companies severed ties after 13 male models accused him of sexual advances, including groping and masturbation. He has denied wrongdoing.

Nature Gordon EdelsteinJan. 22, 2018

Artistic director, Long Wharf Theater

Fired after multiple women accused him of unwanted sexual contact and sexually explicit remarks. He did not publicly address the accusations.

Nature Barry LubinJan. 23, 2018

Grandma the clown at Big Apple Circus

Resigned after admitting that he pressured a teenage girl to pose for pornographic pictures.

Nature Alexander JonesJan. 25, 2018

Sunday editor, The New York Daily News

Fired after accusations of sexual harassment by employees, including unwanted kissing.

Nature Patrick WittyJan. 29, 2018

Deputy director of photography at National Geographic

Left in December. In January, multiple women publicly accused him of sexual harassment, including unwanted touching and kissing. He denied the accusations but apologized for some behavior.

Nature Charlie WalkJan. 29, 2018

President of the Republic Group music label

Left after at least six women accused him of persistent sexual harassment and inappropriate touching. He denied the accusations.

Nature Vincent CirrincioneFeb. 2, 2018

Talent manager

Closed his management agency after nine women accused him of unwanted sexual advances. He apologized but described the interactions as consensual.

Nature Bradley GarnerFeb. 6, 2018

Professor at New York University and promotional musician for Yamaha

The university and Yamaha both severed ties with Mr. Garner after a report that nine students and two other women had accused him of sexual misconduct when he taught at the University of Cincinnati. He denied the accusations.

Nature Daniel ZwerdlingFeb. 6, 2018

Investigative reporter at NPR

Retired after accusations of sexual harassment from six current and former interns and staff members. He denied the accusations.

Nature Alec KleinFeb. 7, 2018

Professor of journalism at Northwestern University

Resigned after accusations of sexual harassment, including inappropriate remarks and unwanted touching, brought by nearly 30 women. He denied wrongdoing.

Nature James DashnerFeb. 7, 2018

Author of “The Maze Runner” series

Dropped by Random House and his literary agent amid accusations of sexual misconduct. He said, “I am taking any and all criticisms and accusations very seriously, and I will seek counseling and guidance to address them.”

Nature Sean HutchisonFeb. 8, 2018

Olympic swimming coach

Banned from U.S. Olympic activities after an investigation by a governing body found that he had sexual contact with a minor. Ariana Kukors Smith, a swimmer, said he had sexually abused her when she was a teenager. He denied any abuse and said they had a consensual relationship starting when she was of legal age.

Nature Jim WalshFeb. 13, 2018

Co-founder of the political consulting firms DSPolitical and Rising Tide Interactive

Resigned from his consulting firms after a woman said he had sexually assaulted her a decade ago. He did not comment on the accusations.

Nature Jay AsherFeb. 14, 2018

Author of “Thirteen Reasons Why”

Dropped by his literary agent and expelled from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators amid accusations of sexual harassment. A spokeswoman for Mr. Asher said that he had not been kicked out of the society and that he denied any harassment.

Nature Greg KadelFeb. 16, 2018

Fashion photographer

Victoria’s Secret suspended its work with Mr. Kadel, and Condé Nast cut ties after sexual misconduct accusations from models who said he harassed and assaulted them when they were teenagers. A spokeswoman for Mr. Kadel said he “never sexually coerced or assaulted anyone.”

Nature Patrick DemarchelierFeb. 16, 2018

Fashion photographer

Condé Nast stopped working with Mr. Demarchelier after seven women accused him of unwanted sexual advances and groping. He denied the accusations.

Nature Michael FeinbergFeb. 22, 2018

Co-founder of KIPP, a chain of charter schools

Dismissed after an investigation found credible an accusation that he sexually abused a student. He denied the accusation.

Nature Richard MeierMarch 13, 2018

Architect

Took a leave from his firm and then stepped down after several former employees said he had exposed himself to them or touched them inappropriately. At first he said, “while our recollections may differ, I sincerely apologize to anyone who was offended,” and then later said that he didn’t recognize the women and that “people can say whatever they want.”

Nature Mike IsabellaMarch 19, 2018

Chef and owner of Mike Isabella Concepts restaurant group

After a woman accused Mr. Isabella and his partners of sexually harassing her, he lost business with the Washington Nationals, and Know Public Relations, the firm that represented him, severed ties. He has not resigned and has denied any wrongdoing.

Nature Nicholas NixonMarch 24, 2018

Professor at Massachusetts College of Art and Design

Retired amid a school investigation into accusations of inappropriate behavior. Soon after, former students accused him of inappropriate sexual behavior, including assignments to photograph genitalia. He apologized to some students, though his lawyer said the accusations were “untested and unproven.”

Nature William D. StrampelMarch 26, 2018

Former dean of Michigan State University’s osteopathic medical school

Resigned from faculty after being arrested on charges of sexual harassment of students. He denied the accusations. For years, Dr. Strampel supervised Dr. Lawrence G. Nassar, a longtime U.S.A. Gymnastics team doctor who pleaded guilty in November to molesting girls.

Nature John KricfalusiMarch 29, 2018

Creator of “The Ren & Stimpy Show”

Cartoon Network and Adult Swim do not plan on working with him in the future, after accusations that he had sexually exploited teenage girls. He denied most of the accusations, but admitted to Buzzfeed that he had had a 16-year-old girlfriend.

Nature Benton StrongApril 23, 2018

Former mayoral spokesman and adviser in Seattle’s sustainability office

Resigned after accusations that he made sexual comments and sent text messages to two women at a previous job. He said he has “made mistakes.”

Nature Justin ParishApril 24, 2018

Alaska state representative

Took mandated sexual harassment training after a woman filed a complaint of unwanted flirting, unwanted touching and inappropriate phone calls. He declined to seek re-election.

Nature Nick MiccarelliMay 5, 2018

Pennsylvania state representative

Stripped of committee assignments and decided not to run for re-election after a House investigation found accusations of sexual assault and abuse from two women to be credible. He denied the accusations.

Nature Roy FrumkesMay 8, 2018

Professor at School of Visual Arts

Removed from his position after lawsuit settlements to four women who accused him of making lewd comments and groping.

Nature Jonathan KaimanMay 16, 2018

Beijing bureau chief at The Los Angeles Times

Resigned after two women accused him of sexual misconduct. He disputed the accusations, calling the acts in one episode “mutually consensual.”

Nature Mohamed MuqtarMay 17, 2018

Assistant director of student services at University of California, Berkeley

Fired after multiple female athletes accused him of sexual assault and misconduct. He did not comment on the accusations.

Nature Robert HaufrechtMay 18, 2018

Instructor at School of Visual Arts

Was suspended and his contract was not renewed, in response to concerns raised by students, one of whom said he showed her unwanted attention, commented on her appearance and told her in class to rehearse suggestive scenarios.

Nature Nate BoultonMay 23, 2018

Iowa state senator

Suspended his campaign for governor after accusations that he touched three women inappropriately. He remains an Iowa state senator.

Nature Morgan FreemanMay 24, 2018

Actor and producer

Visa suspended a marketing campaign featuring Mr. Freeman after eight people accused him of sexual harassment or inappropriate behavior. Mr. Freeman apologized, saying that he would not “intentionally offend or knowingly make anyone feel uneasy.”

Nature Lou LangMay 31, 2018

Illinois state representative

Resigned as deputy House majority leader after accusations of sexual harassment, which he called “absurdities.” Mr. Lang was later cleared by an inspector general inquiry that acknowledged he acted inappropriately. He remains a state representative.

Nature Curt AndersonJune 14, 2018

Maryland state delegate

Ordered to undergo sexual harassment training and stripped of leadership posts after an ethics committee investigation into accusations of sexual misconduct. He said the actions taken against him were “fair” and is running for re-election.

Nature Francisco J. AyalaJune 29, 2018

Professor and benefactor of the University of California, Irvine

Resigned after an investigation into accusations of sexual harassment. The university said it would remove his name from a school, fellowships and other programs. Dr. Ayala said he regretted what he thought of as “the good manners of a European gentleman.”

Nature William PreucilJuly 26, 2018

Cleveland Orchestra concertmaster and professor at Cleveland Institute of Music

The Cleveland Orchestra suspended him after accusations of sexual misconduct, and it opened an investigation that was continuing as of early October. One of four concertmasters has been stepping in to fill his role. Mr. Preucil resigned from his teaching position at the Cleveland Institute of Music.

Nature Chase FinlaySept. 5, 2018

Principal dancer, New York City Ballet

Accused in a lawsuit of exchanging lewd texts and photos of female dancers; he resigned. His lawyer called the suit “nothing more than allegations that should not be taken as fact.”

Nature Zachary CatazaroSept. 15, 2018

Principal dancer, New York City Ballet

Accused in a lawsuit of exchanging a lewd photo and text messages about female dancers; he was fired. He said “the intent was not to harm or embarrass anyone.”

Nature Amar RamasarSept. 15, 2018

Principal dancer, New York City Ballet

Accused of exchanging lewd text messages and explicit photos of a female dancer; he was fired. His lawyer said the messages involved only his own consensual activity.

Nature Adam BerkowitzSept. 25, 2018

Co-head of television at Creative Artists Agency

Departed days after he is said to have groped a television executive at an Emmys party. He did not comment on the accusation.

The Three Women Who Lost Jobs

Over all, few women have faced accusations of misconduct in the #MeToo era, but several who did also faced employment consequences.

See also: Replaced | Vacant | Not Replaced | Back to Top ↑

Nature Cristina Garcia Feb. 9, 2018

California state assemblywoman

Removed from committee posts amid sexual harassment accusations from a former legislative staff member. An investigation initially found no wrongdoing, but it was reopened after an appeal. Ms. Garcia has denied the accusations and is running for a fourth term.

Nature

Al Muratsuchi

Acting chairman of the Assembly Natural Resources Committee

Nature

Susan Talamantes Eggman

Acting chairwoman of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus

Nature Andrea RamseyDec. 15, 2017

Candidate for U.S. House seat in Kansas

Ended campaign after accusations that she had sexually harassed, and then fired, a former subordinate. She denied the accusations.

Nature Asia ArgentoAug. 19, 2018

Actress and director

Removed as a judge on “X Factor Italy” after reports that she sexually assaulted and then paid off a 17-year-old former co-star in California. She denied the accusations. CNN also pulled episodes of “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown” featuring Ms. Argento from its streaming service.

Read More | https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/10/23/us/metoo-replacements.html | Audrey Carlsen, Maya Salam, Claire Cain Miller, Denise Lu, Ash Ngu, Jugal K. Patel, Zach Wichter

Nature #MeToo Brought Down 201 Powerful Men. Women Are Nearly Half of Their Replacements., in 2018-10-23 11:53:42

#Nature of Business in the Current Market

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