An internal, unpublished MSU investigation into the conduct of Emmy award-winning Orchestra conductor Shuichi Komiyama has concluded that his actions with a female student violated the university’s sexual harassment policies, the Bozeman Daily Chronicle reports.
The document obtained by the Chronicle reportedly describes in detail several allegations against Komiyama by female students, including allegations by a student that she felt pressured by the assistant professor of music to participate in sexual acts.
According to the Chronicle, the investigative report determined that — while available evidence could not demonstrate that the sexual acts were coerced — “Student A” felt pressured by Komiyama to stay in his favor, and that he “implicitly and explicitly conditioned his help with her music career on sexual favors from her.”
Komiyama has denied all allegations, and his lawyer, Chuck Watson, stated to the Chronicle that “this is probably a case of hurt feelings that unfortunately is being turned into something else. These are complicated relationships, particularly in the arts.”
The investigation reportedly considered numerous interviews with students, former students, Komiyama, and other MSU staff members, as well as emails sent by Komiyama to Student A.
Ultimately, the Chronicle reports, the investigative group concluded that the statements made by Student A were more credible than Komiyama’s.
Komiyama has been on paid leave since allegations emerged in April. Other faculty have also been hired to temporarily fill his positions in the orchestra and jazz band.
According to the Chronicle article, MSU declined comment, considering the investigation an internal personnel matter. Montana Board of Regents policy permits termination of a tenured faculty member like Komiyama for several reasons, including “unreasonably endangering the welfare or unethical exploitation of students, employees or campus visitors.” MSU officials did not say if the university plans to pursue termination proceedings.
Komiyama had been credited with transforming the university’s orchestra and jazz programs since joining MSU in 2006. He has an Emmy award for composing and arranging and has also worked as a studio musician in New York and Los Angeles.
While in Los Angeles, Komiyama plead guilty to two felony counts of sexual intercourse with a minor, the Chronicle reports, after a 16-year-old girl complained to high school officials. For the offense, Komiyama served a five-year probation sentence.
The Chronicle reported in May that MSU was “apparently unaware” of Komiyama’s prior offense. MSU did not begin conducting formal background checks on all new employees until 2010.
According to the Chronicle, MSU’s investigative report also discovered that Komiyama often hosted students at his house, and that underage drinking sometimes occurred during such gatherings. Komiyama has denied supplying alcohol to underage students.
The Bozeman Daily Chronicle article quoted here can be accessed at: http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/education/article_c78b8016-d5ef-11e0-824e-001cc4c03286.html.
