In May 2023, the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM) launched an investigation under Title IX into Carlos Kalmar, who faced allegations of "inappropriate behavior." Kalmar, appointed as CIM's principal conductor in 2021, took a leave of absence in September 2023 following a student-led sit-in and petition demanding his resignation due to the dismissal of his Title IX case the previous month.
Now, represented by the law firm Spangenberg Shibley & Liber LLP, Kalmar is suing CIM for over $25 million in damages, alleging illegal disclosure, false statements, and defamation related to the Title IX investigation. Filed on January 31, 2024, the federal suit names Kalmar and his wife as plaintiffs, targeting CIM, its president Paul Hogle, provost Scott Harrison, former Title IX coordinator Vivian Scott, and dean Dean Southern as defendants.
The lawsuit accuses CIM of revealing Kalmar as the target of a Title IX probe prematurely, making false and defamatory statements. It also claims his leave was involuntary, citing breach of contract by CIM and Hogle for allegedly constructively terminating his employment.
Kalmar's legal team argues that negative publicity surrounding the investigation has irreversibly damaged his professional reputation, dismissing protesting students as a "misinformed and misled mob."
The legal action comes amid other issues at CIM, including a restructuring decision that led to a 15% reduction in administrative staff in July 2023. The school justified these layoffs as part of its "moonshot vision" to preserve student training and become tuition-free by 2030.
Additionally, the head of CIM's trumpet department, Michael Sachs, resigned after a 35-year tenure, citing baseless attacks on his character by the administration. This prompted five out of six CIM trumpet students to consider withdrawing, according to a student petition calling for the resignation of Rothmann and Hogle.
Sachs' departure followed a letter from Rothmann addressing a public campaign against CIM, stating that misleading information circulated about the institute's leadership. A "CIM Fact-Check" was provided to address misconceptions.
Despite the controversies, CIM reported increased applications, unanimous reelection of key leaders, and a $3.5 million scholarship endowment in September 2023. Board chair Susan Rothmann vowed vigorous defense against the allegations but refrained from further comments at that time.
