During my college years of pursuing a teaching degree, I was a volunteer instructor and counselor at a Job Corps facility. Many of the kids were from low-income families who were there to learn a trade. As I understood it, some were given a choice between juvenile detention or Job Corps. 

As humans do, the students formed cliques, and some were rougher than others. It was a potentially dangerous place, especially at night. For instance, one clique said they wanted to give a fellow counselor a “blanket party” (wrap him in a blanket and physically beat on him) but said they wouldn’t because he was my friend.

This is one reason why I wrote articles about what is right and human nature. From what I’ve seen, in every network of people, in every group that has bonded over something or someone, there is loyalty and a sense of camaraderie. When wrongdoing is “called out” in such a group, there is a “closing of the ranks” as well as a reinforcement of the wrongful behavior.

This reinforcement occurs in several ways:

• Intimidation and rage toward the “whistleblower(s).”
• Turning internally to say, “He/we did nothing wrong” and/or, “We’re the victims here.”
• Thinking or saying, “Even if there was a ‘mistake,’ they are exaggerating it. Besides, it’s all taken care of now. Why continue the fight?”

This is why I urge you to look at the humans as simply humans but to also focus on the actions, especially when they are repeated. When one digs toward the facts behind those behaviors, one sees the wrongdoing that is being hidden. We’re all people who need one another. It’s understandable. But, in that understanding, let’s not excuse the actions.

As EWUA Members, remember that the recall efforts are not to destroy friendships and social bonds. The ultimate aim is to gain strong leadership that is focused on good faith practices and financial oversight that will prevent future problems.