Accusations complicate invitations to authors

Last year, when renowned authors Sherman Alexie and Junot Diaz were among those called out over social media for their alleged mistreatment of women — specifically, Alexie was accused of using his fame to sexually prey on women hoping to make it as writers; and Diaz, of forcibly kissing a woman, as well as engaging in arguably obnoxious acts (including asking a budding novelist to clean his kitchen) — some celebrated their fall, while others questioned it.

Their toppling has since become part of the polarized debate over whether to value such writers' work as art, or instead reject it — and insist others do so — over claims (even confessions) of authorial boorishness.

The issue may not preoccupy everyone, but it is certainly in the minds of literary event organizers. That's because, even as Alexie and Diaz, and others who've come up against the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements, may have faded from view, the responsibility of local impresarios to decide which authors to invite to read, speak and teach at their respective organizations — and which not to — continues.

The pressure is high on organizers at public institutions. Among them is Paul Grondahl, director of the University at Albany-based New York State Writers Institute, who welcomes authors, auteurs and others to campus to discuss their work. In the face of what many consider to be a complex cultural moment, Grondahl's created a simple policy for building a roster of guests that parallels his response to claims of sexual misconduct.

"I believe the women," he said, referring to voices who've recently accused famous authors or artists of misconduct, harassment or abuse. If any figure has a shadow over their reputation, he said, "We just won't invite them."