USAT Board Member and Domestic violence

I think almost everyone here would be surprised at how many men have hit their wives or girlfriends.  I'm really glad to see it get the attention it is getting....but there is quite a bit of thinking to be done as far as how it affects someone's job, etc.  I'm not saying it shouldn't affect a person's job, I'm fine with it, but it needs to be done equally,  and with fairness. 

I say that because I would like someone to tell me how you deal with the OVERWHELMING MAJORITY of cases that you will never hear about but have been reported and then dumped because the other party signs a no prosecution form.  Just because your significant other doesn't want you arrested deosn't mean you are not as morally bankrupt as the person who got charged...so what happens to that person?  Don't tell me about the state laws that require a person be arrested for domestic assault.......it's a great idea, but crowded prosecutor's offices have long ago figured their way around that.  The reality is that the VAST majority of abusers are never charged.

I probably would, then think about it, and then NOT be surprised just thinking about who people really are...

It's sort of unfathomable because I have never struck a women in my LIFE.  Never struck ANYONE in anger.  Wrestled around a bit in a schoolyard tussle or push someone down, but never hit anyone.  Just the thought of hitting someone in the face is sort of disturbing to me.  Go figure I have a black belt in karate...  BUT leaned to Jiu Jitsu where you get to choke people out and joint lock instead if hitting!

I certainly don't condone domestic violence in any way, but I also don't like to make judgements not knowing all the facts and based on third-hand information at best.

I've served on a number of non-profit boards over the past twenty-five years.  Most organizations will have by-laws or convenants that prohibit such things as conflicts-of-interest, or "actions detrimental to the organization".  And just as importantly, it will empower the board (or executive committee) to remove a member for cause.  I've been through the process of removing a board member and it's not a pleasant task, but sometimes is necessary for the good of the organization..

My concern would be a knee-jerk reaction that starts making moral judgements by listing specific violations in the by-laws.  OK, so we can agree on murder, rape, and domestic violence as not being acceptable.  But what about DUI's?  Speeding tickets?  Smoking pot?  Adultery? 

Certainly Mr. Weiss' actions have had a negative effect on the reputation of the USAT.  He evidently refuses to leave, and according to my understanding, the board doesn't have the authority to remove him.  In a perfect world you would hope that he would put the good of the USAT over his own interests and quietly resign.  But it appears that isn't going to happen.

As a USAT member, what I intend to do is work through the system and contact our regional board (several of whom I know personally) to express my concerns. 

Mark

Yes = Should national governing body board members be subject to a code of conduct / ethics contract?

I've followed the ST thread from the start and I do wonder how far all of this will go.

In my experience, every statement by any man that's ever hit a woman is friggin' disturbing.  Those goys are weird.....all of them.