Open Letter of Apology from the Louisiana Center for the Blind

Content warning: The following statement addresses sensitive topics.

The Louisiana Center for the Blind condemns misconduct of any kind. We take these matters extremely seriously, and the safety and welfare of participants in our programs are our highest priority. I am humbled by the bravery exhibited by survivors of abuse who have demonstrated courage in sharing their experiences. Regardless of whether a survivor shared an incident in a public forum, a private conversation with an ally or close friend, with a mental health provider, or has yet to fully process an experience, I am so sorry for what you have gone through, and I extend my most heartfelt apologies. I want you to know that I am heartbroken that our students and community members have experienced pain in connection with our programs, and I’m deeply sorry that members of our community have caused the harm. I promise to stand with survivors not just in words but in my actions.

Since the Center was established in 1985, the executive board and leadership have adopted various policies and Center specific codes of conduct, to govern behaviors of employees and students. The stories of survivors illustrate that those safeguards have not adequately protected everyone. Our Board of Directors and staff endorse the Open Letter of Apology from Mark Riccobono that was sent on December 16, and we share in this apology. Please read the open letter linked above since it represents both the commitment of the National Federation of the Blind and Louisiana Center for the Blind. Please read the Open Letter on Safety and Support Progress from April 15 which outlines ongoing efforts to promote a culture of respect and to provide support of survivors.

I respect and understand that survivors are skeptical of declarations of change. The Louisiana Center for the Blind and our executive board’s highest priority and sincerest commitment is to strengthen existing and establish center policies, practices, and procedures that ensure we protect participants’ physical and emotional well-being. My goal is for every person who interacts with the center to have a positive and affirming experience. We will support survivors to cope with sustained trauma and help them restore a sense of security. This vow of protection extends to our responsibility to shield others from individuals who prove themselves predators or exhibit inappropriate actions. The Louisiana Center for the Blind and I want to make sure that the steps we take are thoughtful, effective, and informed by both survivors and experts in the field.

The Louisiana Center for the Blind Board of Directors and I commit to the actions outlined in the following document.  We recognize that this is just the beginning of repairing relationships and restoring trust. 

Louisiana Center for the Blind Action Steps  

We will stay accountable and provide transparent, quarterly updates to the community on our progress in meeting these crucial objectives.

Pamela Allen

Executive Director

Louisiana center for the Blind Board of Directors:

Karl Smith, Noel nightingale, Daphne Mitchell, Jesse Hartle, Ever Lee Hairston, Angela Wolf, Evelyn Valdez