Women’s Case Against Idaho Doctor

I want to commend Barry Siegel for his in-depth and sensitive coverage of “A Long and Elusive Fight for Justice” (Nov. 25, 26).

This is a critically important story to tell, in recognition of the brave women of Rexburg, Ida., who were subjected to the immoral and inhumane treatment by Dr. LaVar Withers and for all women who have been or are currently being abused by a perpetrator and then intimidated by the “system” through a conspiracy of denial, silence and inaction.

Kudos to Dan Hawkley for assuming the role of prosecutor after years of shameful neglect by representatives of the legal and medical professions.

Finally, from an uncountable number of mothers, daughters and sisters, we owe and extend an enormous debt of gratitude and appreciation to the women of Rexburg for uncommon and steadfast courage in their “elusive” struggle.

LINDA WAADE

Santa Monica

* With all that’s going on in the world, would a “great” newspaper devote four pages to the clinical details of the misbehavior of a small-town doctor?

GUS MICHEL

Pacific Palisades

* I have been following your articles on sexual harassment in the U.S. Army with great interest. One of my colleagues who is in the military found it incomprehensible that the women who had been harassed had not gone through the appropriate channels to file complaints or had not consulted their chaplain.

The articles on Rexburg dovetail beautifully with the Army situation, making all too clear what happens when women in a male-dominated society--military or religious--endeavor to be heard and kept from further harm.

MARIAN BRANCH

Hawthorne

* As a southern Idaho native, I was greatly moved by Siegel’s two-part series. Siegel’s series demonstrates that patriarchy and classism are rampant--and incredibly hard to challenge.

The piece also illustrated the bravery and litigation skills of attorney Hawkley. There are many repercussions for challenging authority, specifically in the legal profession, and Hawkley’s actions were exemplary. I’m hopeful that other attorneys will follow his example when presented with legal matters that may seem unwinnable yet are obviously wrong and deserve to be addressed.

STEPHANIE CAHILL

South Pasadena