Amid U.S. Open Fanfare, U.S.T.A. Fights Questions of Its Handling of Sexual Abuse

U.S.T.A. Faces Accusations of Mishandling Sexual Assault Case

Introduction

For several months, the United States Tennis Association (U.S.T.A.) has positioned this year’s U.S. Open as a key moment to celebrate its 50-year record of leadership on women’s equity and empowerment, tied to its payment of equal prize money to its top players. However, the organization has been facing litigation regarding its handling of accusations of sexual assault made by a female player who worked with a male coach at the U.S.T.A.’s marquee training center in Florida.

Kylie McKenzie’s Lawsuit

Kylie McKenzie, a 24-year-old from Arizona and once one of the most promising junior players in the country, sued the U.S.T.A. last year, claiming the organization had failed to protect her from a coach who inappropriately touched her after a practice in 2018 when she was 19 and he was 34.

Attempts at Mediation

Attempts to mediate a settlement have not been successful, prompting lawyers to begin to depose witnesses as they prepare for a possible trial.

Questioning the Victim’s Sexual History

During the depositions, a lawyer for the U.S.T.A. asked McKenzie about her sexual history, including the number of sexual partners she had before the incident. The lawyer also questioned her about medications she had taken to treat anxiety and depression, as well as the nature of her discussions with her therapist. Similar questions were asked to McKenzie’s mother, Kathleen McKenzie, regarding her daughter’s use of birth control pills and a morning-after pill.

Criticism and Advocacy

Advocates for victims have widely criticized these types of questions, stating that they discourage women from coming forward when they are abused. Former player and television commentator Pam Shriver, who was deposed in the case as a witness for McKenzie, expressed her disappointment with the U.S.T.A.’s actions.

U.S.T.A.’s Response

In response to the criticism, Chris Widmaier, chief spokesman for the U.S.T.A., stated that the organization had no intention of revictimizing or shaming McKenzie. He explained that the organization was seeking to determine the truth amidst inconsistent testimony. Shriver testified that U.S.T.A.’s top lawyer, Staciellen Mischel, had warned her to be careful about her public statements on sexual abuse in tennis.

McKenzie’s Allegations

McKenzie’s case stems from her work with a coach named Anibal Aranda, who worked at the U.S.T.A.’s training center. She described an escalation of physical contact and isolation that made her uncomfortable. After reporting the incident, Aranda was promptly suspended and then fired by the U.S.T.A. A lengthy investigation by the U.S. Center for SafeSport found it “more likely than not” that Aranda had assaulted McKenzie.

Impact on McKenzie

Following the incident, McKenzie experienced panic attacks and depression, which have hindered her progress in tennis. She has since been playing in lower-tier tournaments and is currently ranked 820th in the world.

Depositions and Questions

In April, McKenzie testified for seven hours in her pretrial deposition. The U.S.T.A.’s lawyer asked her about the weeks leading up to the incident and questioned why she did not report earlier instances of inappropriate touching. McKenzie explained that she did not expect Aranda’s behavior to escalate and that she was naive. The lawyer also asked about her previous relationships and sexual partners.

Belittling and Intimidating Survivors

Robert Allard, McKenzie’s lawyer, criticized the U.S.T.A.’s questioning, stating that it showed a strategy of belittling, embarrassing, and intimidating survivors of sexual assault.

Support from Pam Shriver

Pam Shriver, who has supported the U.S.T.A.’s efforts in the past, testified in support of McKenzie. She emphasized the importance of supporting young women who have been traumatized by unprofessional coaching situations.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 5: Gender Equality – The article discusses accusations of sexual assault made by a female player and highlights the importance of women’s equity and empowerment.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The article mentions the litigation and depositions related to the handling of the sexual assault accusations, raising questions about the justice system and institutional response to such cases.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation – The article addresses accusations of sexual assault against a female player, highlighting the need to eliminate violence against women.
• SDG 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all – The article discusses the litigation and depositions related to the handling of the sexual assault accusations, emphasizing the importance of equal access to justice.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• No specific indicators are mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. However, progress towards SDG 5.2 can be measured through indicators such as reported cases of violence against women, conviction rates for perpetrators of violence against women, and availability of support services for survivors. Progress towards SDG 16.3 can be measured through indicators such as the accessibility and affordability of legal services, the effectiveness of the justice system in addressing cases of violence against women, and the level of public trust in the justice system.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: nytimes.com

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.