When Cap Times reporters Erin Gretzinger and DuClos wrote about Eliav Goldman, a Madison teacher recently arrested and charged on two counts of sexual misconduct against a student and grooming a child for sexual activity, we learned he was among the first to be charged under the new anti-grooming laws. But their story also showed disturbing gaps in the Madison School District’s policies related to sexual misconduct, despite a case five years prior that should have compelled the district to create explicit anti-grooming policies.
As one former student said during the 2021 sentencing of David Kruchten — a former East High School teacher convicted on federal charges after students on field trips found hidden cameras in their hotel rooms — the teacher’s behaviors “tainted every single one of his victims’ high school experience, and we will continue to feel these repercussions for years to come.”
I know what she means. I experienced it firsthand in my girlhood, though I never knew to call it grooming until I read DuClos’ “Dismissed” series.
When I was 12, I began taking private guitar lessons from an independent music store across the street from my high school. I wanted to be in a femme rock band with my friends with all the Riot Grrrl ferocity of Sleater-Kinney and Bikini Kill. To my surprise, I found myself drawn to classical guitar. By 13, I was playing Paganini sonatas with my eyes closed. I warmed up with a complex rendition of Kansas’ “Dust in the Wind.” I was excited about my potential.
My teacher made me feel special and told me often I was talented. At first, it was motivating. So why did my stomach hurt before lessons? Why did I eventually dread going? I wanted to make him proud of me, but the feeling I associated with that got complicated around the time I started high school.
Not long into my lessons, my guitar teacher called me precocious. He started complaining about his girlfriends to me, sharing graphic details of his sex life. And he told me on a few occasions that he wished they could be more like me. Other times, to tease me, he would flick guitar picks at me, aiming to get them down my shirt. He would bring in gifts for me. He took photos of me, too.
———-
A Dane County Judge appointed by Governor Evers – Ben Jones – was previously a DPI attorney.
DPI notes & links.
Jill Underly.