Letter to Ms. Simone Biles, American Gymnast, Ms. McKayla Maroney, American Gymnast, Ms. Maggie Nichols, American Gymnast, Ms. Aly Raisman, American Gymnast- Blackburn Requests Feedback From USA Gymnasts And SafeSport On Structural Failures In Larry Nassar Investigation

Letter

Dear Mses. Biles, Maroney, Nichols, and Raisman,

I appreciated hearing each of your powerful testimonies before the Senate Judiciary Committee, and I want to thank you for sharing your experiences with us in such a public setting. It took remarkable strength and courage to speak up. By doing so, you've sent a message of encouragement to so many women and girls that they are not alone and they need not remain silent in the face of abuse.

Larry Nassar betrayed your trust. But he was not the only one who failed to protect you. This was a systemic failure, and every single person in authority who turned a blind eye to your abuse must be held accountable.

Our Committee owes it to you and to all other young athletes to investigate these structural failures and hold the people involved accountable. Indeed, that is the only way we can make sure that this kind of abuse never happens again.

Part of our task requires us to examine the practices and institutions that are designed to protect victims and prevent abuse. To that end, I would welcome your feedback on the following issues:

1. Some of you mentioned that you distrust the United States Center for SafeSport--the very organization charged with protecting athletes. Are there any organizations that you feel you can trust?

2. What kind of reforms would you like to see implemented to help ensure that the abuse you suffered never happens again?

Any input you can provide on these questions will be invaluable to us as we investigate this matter. I thank each of you for your continued engagement and insight on this issue. With your help, we can work together to ensure the safety of future generations of young athletes.

Source