Statement from Bonnie Larson and John D. Lewis, Vice-Chairs, Detroit Institute of Arts Board of Directors
Updated Oct 14, 2020
October 14, 2020 -- Following the receipt from press sources of a whistleblower complaint on June 30, 2020, the DIA engaged the Washington D.C.-based law firm of Crowell & Moring to undertake an independent investigation into the allegations. Over the ensuing three months, Crowell undertook an exhaustive review of key documents, interviews with numerous persons with relevant knowledge, and review of applicable law, related peer group policies and industry association guidance and best practices. ‘
The investigation found that the Board Chair and Director acted in all respects with the best interests of the DIA in mind and did not find that they or any employee or volunteer at the DIA engaged in any misconduct related to the allegations included in the whistleblower complaint. There was no finding of any intention to mislead or hide information, nor was there any finding of any conflict of interest, violation of DIA policy or violation of applicable law.
At the conclusion of its work, the Crowell team reported to a special committee of the board that was established specifically to review the findings of the firm, as well as the DIA’s standing Professional Practices Committee, the DIA’s Executive Committee and the DIA’s Board of Directors. Because they were featured in the whistleblower complaint, neither the Chairman nor the Director of the DIA participated in these investigations other than to be interviewed by Crowell. They fully recused themselves from the review of and the Board’s adoption of the Crowell findings.
In the course of its investigation of the whistleblower complaint, the Crowell firm noted for consideration possible improvements to DIA processes and policies. The proposed changes are largely intended to help avoid appearances of conflicts of interest and to clarify potential policy ambiguities. Over the coming months, the DIA’s Professional Practices Committee will complete a review of all such practices and policies with the intention of making recommendations to the Board that would result in the DIA being a national leader in establishing best practices in these areas.
As was recently announced, the DIA engaged Crowell to separately investigate allegations regarding workplace culture. This investigation, which is being conducted by a Crowell team independent of the whistleblower investigation, is still in process but is nearing its conclusion.
October 14, 2020 -- Following the receipt from press sources of a whistleblower complaint on June 30, 2020, the DIA engaged the Washington D.C.-based law firm of Crowell & Moring to undertake an independent investigation into the allegations. Over the ensuing three months, Crowell undertook an exhaustive review of key documents, interviews with numerous persons with relevant knowledge, and review of applicable law, related peer group policies and industry association guidance and best practices. ‘
The investigation found that the Board Chair and Director acted in all respects with the best interests of the DIA in mind and did not find that they or any employee or volunteer at the DIA engaged in any misconduct related to the allegations included in the whistleblower complaint. There was no finding of any intention to mislead or hide information, nor was there any finding of any conflict of interest, violation of DIA policy or violation of applicable law.
At the conclusion of its work, the Crowell team reported to a special committee of the board that was established specifically to review the findings of the firm, as well as the DIA’s standing Professional Practices Committee, the DIA’s Executive Committee and the DIA’s Board of Directors. Because they were featured in the whistleblower complaint, neither the Chairman nor the Director of the DIA participated in these investigations other than to be interviewed by Crowell. They fully recused themselves from the review of and the Board’s adoption of the Crowell findings.
In the course of its investigation of the whistleblower complaint, the Crowell firm noted for consideration possible improvements to DIA processes and policies. The proposed changes are largely intended to help avoid appearances of conflicts of interest and to clarify potential policy ambiguities. Over the coming months, the DIA’s Professional Practices Committee will complete a review of all such practices and policies with the intention of making recommendations to the Board that would result in the DIA being a national leader in establishing best practices in these areas.
As was recently announced, the DIA engaged Crowell to separately investigate allegations regarding workplace culture. This investigation, which is being conducted by a Crowell team independent of the whistleblower investigation, is still in process but is nearing its conclusion.