The Record and the Wound — Part II (Reader)¶

Author: Kevin Bass, Ph.D. — Full bio & credentials

This page gives a concise, linkable companion to the Substack article. Read the full essay on Substack → The Record and the Wound — Part II: Why I Won't Disappear.

One-Screen Summary¶

The key themes in Part II, with links to supporting context:

1. The choice framing: The essay presents the response to institutional action as a choice between "disappearing" (accepting the outcome) and "refusing to disappear" (pursuing transparency). Commentary — This is interpretation, not a factual claim

2. Part I publication (Oct 10, 2025): The first essay was published on Substack, beginning public documentation. Confirmed — External (Substack)

3. Part II publication (Nov 24, 2025): This essay was published, addressing motivation and response. Confirmed — External (Substack)

4. Records fight continues: The essay references ongoing TPIA and FERPA disputes documented elsewhere on this site. Confirmed — Process Dashboard

5. Name-clearing hearing request: The essay references the October 2025 hearing request that received no substantive response. Confirmed — Thread 21

6. Debt collection initiated (Dec 2025): Collection activity began during pending disputes (post-publication of Part II). Confirmed — Debt Collection

Key Claims and Where to Verify Them¶

Key Themes Discussed¶

The Choice¶

The essay frames the response to institutional action as a choice between two paths:

1. Disappear: Accept the destruction, sign NDAs, and try to build a second life while the institution remains unaccountable.
2. Refuse to Disappear: "Follow the logic of what had been done all the way out into the open."

This is the author's interpretation of available choices, not a factual claim about the case.

Medicine as Vocation vs. Career¶

A central distinction is made between a career (a professional path vulnerable to institutional destruction) and a vocation (a calling that cannot be taken away).

"I believe in medicine—and science—as a calling. For me, this is not a 'career.' It never was."

This is personal reflection, not a factual claim.

Moral Injury as Formation¶

The essay argues for using moral injury as material for character formation rather than solely as trauma to be healed.

"Refusing to anesthetize ourselves to injustice does not have to corrode us... It can make us stronger."

This is the author's philosophical position.

Institutional Dynamics Discussed¶

The essay discusses institutional dynamics in general terms. These are the author's interpretations:

• Reputation Destruction: The process of "whispers" and informal blacklisting
• Institutional Aversion: The psychological tendency of institutions to hate those they have injured (referencing Tacitus)
• The Structural Trap: Why institutions may rationalize behavior rather than correcting it

These are interpretive claims, not specific factual allegations documented on this site.

Disputed / Unresolved / Pending Items¶

Part II is primarily commentary and interpretation rather than factual claims. The following related items remain pending:

• Hearing request response: The name-clearing hearing request (Oct 19, 2025) has not received a substantive response. See Thread 21.

• Full hearing record: Access to the complete hearing recording remains pending. See Thread 37.

• TPIA/FERPA responses: Multiple records requests remain pending or in dispute. See Process Dashboard.

To report corrections or provide supporting documentation, see the Corrections page.

Documents Referenced¶

Hearing Request and Process¶

• Thread 21: Name-Clearing Hearing Request — Formal request for hearing opportunity
• Thread 32: Deadline Lapsed — Notice that response deadline passed without response
• Fair Hearing Arc — Narrative overview of the hearing request process

Records Disputes¶

• Process Dashboard — Current status of all open requests
• Record vs. Reality — Documented discrepancies between record and evidence
• Correspondence Archive — Full email threads with TTUHSC

Related Context¶

• Debt Collection — Collection activity during pending disputes (post-Part II publication)
• Executive Summary — Overview of the case with evidence links

Where This Lives on the Timeline¶

Next Steps in the Series¶

The essay references Part IV, which will cover the "threat" allegation and academic mobbing. As of December 2025, Part IV has not been published.

Recommended Next Steps¶