Please - in explicit terms - explain who would be acceptable to subject to greater (or cruel, or inappropriate, or "isn't that the guy who owns...", or whatever) scrutiny. Honking house morons? Rod Raymond? Difference? I get. It's understood. You people pick sides... but come on. "Just keep it productive, please. Don't go all batshit loonball." Or keep getting your posts redacted or removed. Just tell us that this guy is untouchable and then we can all move on.('Cause that's what you're tellin' us.) Seriously. Is PDD saying "Poor Rod Raymond?" Is that something you want?

I implore those people at the top of PDD to approach Rod and have him comment on PDD. I think that is what is truly needed here to quell the conversation (because there isn't one). I ask everyone to be respectful to their teachers, students, peers and their news sources.

Just noticing ... It appears that on today's curiously timed piece in the DNT has comments closed on it. I say curiously timed because I believe they bought that building about 5 years ago. Funny this would be the week they do a story on it, out of the 200 or so other weeks they could've chosen.

If that's true then is it odd that they wouldn't even mention the other two stories they did on Rod?

The way I see it, the DNT is in a no-win situation here. A story like today's on Old City Hall was likely assigned and scheduled weeks ago, and not running it would have left a big hole on a Monday, notoriously a "thin" news day as it is. If they didn't run it and the public somehow found out, what would the reaction be--negative for the DNT, if nothing else. The timing of both stories running the same week is good for no one: makes the DNT look bad ("Gosh, now their supporting the business efforts of someone accused sexual harassment ?") and acts as a reminder of UMD's and Mr. Raymond's current issue, not welcome publicity for either of those parties. I noticed that the DNT is being slammed for this "personal attack" on a "UMD personnel issue." If Mr. Raymond were simply a mild-mannered UMD instructor and this was truly an isolated incident, then it would have been highly questionable as a newsworthy item. But I imagine Mr. Raymond's activities in the community and elsewhere (besides a trainer, educator, and businessman, he is also a professional speaker and event promoter) make him a "public figure" in the eyes of the DNT newsroom (heck, any newsroom). That, combined with the nature of the accusations and the evidence in the UMD report of a pattern of similar behavior and a recommendation to fire an instructor that wasn't followed up on by UMD administrators does justify this as a legitimate news story, no matter which side of the story you believe. The DNT's newsroom would have been criticized if it had not run the stories it has on this issue. To me, the "comments" section of the DNT is the culprit, not the reporters. Most often the comments only serve to add fuel to fire as every coward who hasn't the stones to sign his or her actual name to a letter to the editor can anonymously spout their uneducated opinions and unsubstantiated claims (in both directions), which typically are little more than name calling. And I commend Paul and Barrett for trying to keep any discussion of this very uncomfortable topic civil. We don't have to lower ourselves to the level of those commenting on the DNT.

Deafyet: Couldn't agree more.

Apparently the DNT just noticed that their online comments are problematic: http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/150025/ Interesting how it's a total cop-out on taking responsibility for publishing those comments. "We have safeguards.... we don't know how these got through... a big mystery..." Of course, seemingly everyone else has known about the DNT comment issue for months. For example: http://www.perfectduluthday.com/2009/07/13/dntv-showcases-murder-victims-blood/

It hasn't been removed, its just hiding - sorta http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/150032/

How different would this discussion be if it were about (for instance) Dennis Fink instead of Rod? Aren't their behaviors pretty much the same?

Here's another story about UMD. http://www.intermatwrestle.com/articles/5657

Umm ... as nearly always, I agree with @ndy that it is a good comparison/parallel. But people have talked about Fink. He is my commissioner and I see him at stuff and can barely stand to look at the guy, let alone shake his hand. So it has been discussed here and elsewhere. Also, punctuating that point, there is a group calling themselves "We Are Watching" that, well, watches the St. Louis County Board. In part, I think this was a response to the outcry over Dennis Fink's bizarre behavior and sexual harassment allegations. Here's something: http://watchingslc.blogspot.com/ -- Rod Raymond is no sacred cow to me, but I think there are some lurkers and regulars here who might think he is getting special treatment on PDD because of long long long time personal and business and creative relationships with PDD management and glitterati. I've wondered about it myself. But at this time I am giving you all the benefit of the doubt as I do appreciate the effort to limit the "Bat**it Loonball" level of discourse above what we have seen at the DNT site. And the effort seems to be working. -- At some point I think it would be great to talk about sexual harassment, and creepy, gross, sexual harassment behavior in our community, including at our local colleges and offices and bars, clubs and restaurants. And ... apparently it persists just about everywhere, even though the MAD MEN 1960s are long gone, some of those attitudes and behaviors are lingering and it really stinks.

I haven't read the report, but I have read the most inflammatory excerpts. I will say this, however, as a teacher: everyone in these positions of power knows, or ought to know, that it is incumbent upon us to go overboard to make our students feel comfortable and to avoid all *appearance*--not just the action--of impropriety. This means not trying to date our students, even if they are adults. This means avoiding being alone with them if at all possible. And it means, in any case where there is already an uncomfortable degree of physicality (like, say, being a gynecologist with his head between your knees), that the professional MUST go above and beyond to de-sexualize the situation. If this obviously painful exposure does anything at all, it should serve to remind RR and any other professional instructor that it is ON THEM to create a work environment that is free from The Weirdness that comes with too free an expression of sexuality. It can be innocent. Or not. The thing is--that's irrelevant. The professional in this sort of position has the responsibility to remove and keep out the awkwardness of unprofessional commentary and behavior. There will always be sensitive students, people who are afraid to speak up when you do something that gets under their skin. But it is Your Responsibility as an instructor to govern your behavior carefully, as if all students deserve the care you would give the person you might dismiss as "ultra-sensitive" ... or who "just doesn't get me."

I'm one of the many who knows Rod. I have seen him do and say things a lot like the things he is accused of. A lot of the people who know him and are defending him are not in his target group, i.e. early 20s and cute. These are very serious charges and very disturbing for many reasons. I empathize with those young women and applaud them for speaking out, which is not an easy thing to do when you feel victimized. I don't think that boycotting his businesses are the answer to this, but I do think he needs to know that this community doesn't take sexual harassment lightly. This man needs to learn that his comments and actions are often inappropriate and that, especially as a person with much to lose, he needs to rein it in. The worst thing people have said about this case (at least on the DNT comments) is that sexual harassment is no big deal and/or that these young women should have stood up for themselves, etc. In the end, this report is not about the cult of personality that is Rod Raymond, but about the many young women that were harassed.

I too, am one of few that have had personal one on one interactions with rod at umd and have witnessed some of these 'allegations' as he calls them, firsthand. It is upsetting to me as a female student in my 20s, who enjoys working out and being a part of the UMD rsop facility, that Rod is not being removed from his position. I worry about those who will have to interact with him in the future and experience this harassment (that is definitely happening), I also worry about our safety and security as students if UMD doesn't stay strong on its policies, i.e. sexual harassment.

If people like 'Student' remain anonymous, how do they ever expect anything to change? If they want him to get fired, they need to come forward. I understand that it's a big step and will affect them the rest of their lives, but just one of them will be worth more than a hundred who don't go public about it.

Whoa. Rob Karwath apologizing for the comments section. Didn't think we'd ever see the day. I guess promoting lynching is still a little too risque even for Forum. "I still don't know what happened. And I'm frustrated that my initial request to take the comments down wasn't acted upon immediately." B.S. They know exactly what they're doing in terms of moderating the comments section; otherwise it wouldn't be such a cesspool of rabid right-wing extremism in this majority-progressive town. Certain voices always get posted, while other opinions invariably get moderated out. Karwath, parachuting in from Fargo, is a big part of the problem. At least the paper will go under completely in a year or two and we won't have to worry about it any more.

Well, speaking generally, post hoc ergo propter hoc really doesn't apply here for the guy. BTW, my original post was neither slander or libel in any form; just repeating what others have said. My intent by repeating those words was to make the conversation heated. Again, a little bad taste. His statement is a joke.

Red Iguana, the only reason Karwath apologized for the outrageous comments on the DNT's website is b/c the officials and students at Scholastica complained that the dumbkopfs at the DNT were putting those two Iraqi men in danger. Karwath didn't care when outrageous comments were posted on the DNT website after the murder on the Hillside and the other murder downtown this summer. I think they have to do some better moderating of those comments or just not allow them at all.

Rod has a pretty good racket going on in Duluth. He can keep opening businesses and he'll have more attractive and young chicks to come on to. Duluth is his oyster. And unlike UMD (or at least how it is supposed to be) there is not as much protection at these businesses to support the females. If a women doesn't accept his advances he can simply make her life difficult at work, maybe even fire her and give her a bad recommendation.

Yeah that's right Rex, it is all ridiculous. It'll all blow over, just give it a month and everything can go back to normal.

Tim, But, he first has to realize that he does have a problem. I hope he does and gets help.

There once was a Raymond named Rod Who chased every girl he did fancy Though it sucks for the lasses Who suffer his passes At least he's not Roman Polansky.

Whatever you do, don't offend the aging clique that runs this site! Raymond is one of them, of course through the connection with the similarly sexually harrassing wanna-be soccer player looking guy from the Brewhouse.

PDD is also slightly concerned about shut-down / slander lawsuits.

Sterling Harris of PAVSA weighed in on this matter with an excellent op ed about perpetrators -- like Rod Raymond and Dennis Fink, according to the women who've come forward to complain about them -- and their inability to understand that they are doing anything nefarious when they are sexually harassing women over whom they have authority. Sadly, if you want to read the entire op ed, you will have to pay Forum Communications $2.95. But at least you can read the first graf for free. https://secure.forumcomm.com/?publisher_ID=36&article_id=149828

Simply put- comparing Rod (A public figure) to Dennis is wrong. If you knew anything about the Dennis Fink issue, you would soon realize that it was a another (one of many) feeble attempt to oust someone who doesn't play by afscme's rules. Zero harassment occurred. Period. Nothing more than a smear campaign. If you talk to someone on the board who isn't in Allan Netland's back pocket, you'll see for yourself. Duluth has a history of filthy backroom politics, and Dennis Fink doesn't play those games. Simply put, he's a marked man and everyone in the know, knows. Mr. Raymond, on the other hand, has a reputation. I remember when I moved to Duluth in '92 hearing stories about him. No surprises-he's a hound, and the boundries become blurred when you have an appetite like his. As far as the advocacy groups, I find it ironic that the same protesters who came out like roaches at night when Dennis was flagged, are strangely silent in Rods case. If this had been someone with a different set of friends, he would have been fired, boycotted, and hung out to dry. Yeah, I know the DNT did a story. They also did a great job of allowing Rod to brush it off and talk about how it's all good and that the Chancellor still loves him, blah blah blah. People who can't keep their urges under control are bound to lose it at some point. When that is mixed with an enormous ego and presumption of power, you have a dangerous mix. I, as a father of three beautiful girls, would not want my girls to be put in a position where he was alone with them. Just my opinion...

Sorry Jim, I know a woman whose career with St. Louis County ended b/c Dennis Fink thought it was funny to sexually harass her and treat her like a piece of meat, knowing that he was safe from any reprisals. I may be wrong, but don't the guidelines that STC has in place not apply to elected officials? These allegations against Fink have nothing to do with Alan Netland and nothing to do with AFSCME. I think what Raymond probably did, and the way he acted is pretty reprehensible. But what Fink did, as an elected official with a County employee, is just as outrageous, if not more so. And I'm glad to make my feelings known by voting against him next time he's up for re-election. I think what needs to happen is to have a set of clear guidelines as to what constitutes acceptable and unacceptable behavior in the workplace for all. Make sure everyone knows what the rules are. And stick to it -- no matter if it's an elected official or it's the chancellor's personal trainer.

Was that really Rod?! Is this the craziest thing ever on PDD? Why is he apologizing to PDD? Is he truly insane? For his "son's sake"? Come on, Rod. That's not gonna work. Rod, you have sexual/power/boundary/social issues. Get help. As in...counseling. Don't keep playing this "I'm the victim" bullshit. "I am powerless"? My fucking God, Rod!!! Are you kidding me? It isn't about "You and Duluth". It's about the young women you continually harass. I'm done.

In the official UMD report (linked above by Barrett Chase), two different female students independently alleged that Rod got them into his house alone under false pretenses so he could make sexual advances on them. 1. The report says that in one case, Rod invited a married student to come to his house to go snowshoeing, but kept putting off the trip until he knew her husband was out of town. Rod answered the door shirtless, and proceeded to serenade her for 40 minutes with a guitar while she kept asking to go snowshoeing (they never did). 2. The report says in another case, a student said Rod invited her over to his house to discuss an exciting new business venture, only to find out that he wanted to make sexual advances on her (the report says that other female students, responding to this female student's allegations, said "That is just how he is."). 3. The report says that Raymond intimidated and threatened women making harassment allegations. There are many other allegations in the report. One might think that if the report is true, it is likely just the tip of the iceberg. The report is the result of an internal UMD investigation, in which a number of current and former UMD female students were interviewed.

Tony, Suffice it to say, it pissed me off. I know Rod, too, and I have to deal with him face to face all of the time. I have watched him ogle and harass my closest friends over and over and over again. No, he didn't have to post to PDD. But he did...and he played the victim, which enraged me. It's a joke. Should I be dropping f-bombs? Probably not. Do I have the right to protect my identity from Rod Raymond and anyone else? Yes, I absolutely do.

Do not most of us think that it is never to late to say "I am sorry". I think that one's actions are the representive function of that apology. I hope that is Rod above and I hope there are more steps taken towards resolving what ever happened or will happen. I also think that it is hard for a person to speak thier mind when confronted by negitive behavior. Alot of people are conflictaviodent and remove themselves from negitive behavior especially when confronted by athourity figures. My father was one to speak his mind about what was going on in the world and never backed down from a debate. Is not the belief that you are doing the right thing enuff for all of us? And as long as we are not impacting someone's life in a negitive manner doing good. Peace