Skip to content
Pragmatic Mom
Menu
  • Home
  • About
    • Contact
    • Policies
    • Media Kit
    • Privacy Policy
    • Copyright
    • KidLit Blogroll
  • My Book Lists
    • My List of Lists
    • Multicultural Books for Children: 60+ Book Lists
    • #OwnVoices
    • Summer Reading Lists for Middle School Kids
    • Asian American Children’s Books
    • African American Children’s Books
    • Arab American Children’s Books
    • Latinx American Children’s Books
    • Native American Children’s Books
    • LGBTQIA+ Children’s Books
    • Diverse Books for Kids
    • Best Books for Kids
  • Education
    • STEM/STEAM
    • Math
    • Social Studies
    • Art Projects for Kids
    • Applying to Art School
    • Applying to College
    • Book Club for Kids
    • 70+ Free Educational Games
  • Controversial
    • Sexual Misconduct in Children’s Book Publishing #MeToo #TimesUp
    • Rethinking & Examining Dr. Seuss’ Racism
    • Blood Feud over YA #BloodHeir
    • Tulsa Race Massacre: What They Don’t Teach You in History Books
    • The Chinese Exclusion Act – What They Don’t Teach in History Books
    • Segregation in California Schools: What They Don’t Teach in History Books
    • SCBWI Minnesota Racist Illustration and Gaslighting Response
  • My Books
    • My Book Announcements
    • The Traveling Taco on Reading Rockets’ Summer Reading Guide 2025!
    • We Sing From the Heart makes Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year 2025!
    • The Traveling Taco featured in Booklist
    • Origami French Fries: Activity for THE TRAVELING TACO
    • Book Announcement: A Place to Call Home! {and a new title …}
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE makes Sunshine State Young Readers Award Orange Blossom List for Nonfiction!
    • Cover Reveal of my latest picture book … FORTUNE COOKIES FOR EVERYONE!
    • Picture Book Announcement! BARBED WIRE BETWEEN US, illustrated by Violeta Encarnación
    • We Sing From the Heart gets a few stickers!
    • Book Announcement! Postcards from Malcolm X: How Yuri Kochiyama Became a Civil Rights Activist
    • Kirkus Reviews My Newest Picture Book: THE TRAVELING TACO
    • We Sing From the Heart is a Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Winner!
    • We Sing From the Heart gets a few stickers!
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART wins California Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART is Orbis Pictus Recommended Book
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART is a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection
    • Dorktales Podcast: Simon Tam, Hidden Hero of History
    • Food for the Future Wins Nautilus Silver Book Award
    • Food for the Future makes Mass Book Award Long List!
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE Makes Green Earth Book Award Long List!
    • Food for the Future is a finalist for 2023 INDIES Book of the Year!
    • New! Food for the Future Activity and Discussion Guide!
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE is a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection!
    • ‘Food for the Future’ selected for Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best books
    • Scholastic Purchased CHANGING THE GAME!
    • Starred Review for FOOD FOR THE FUTURE from School Library Journal!
    • Sumo Joe makes Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year list!
    • How To Coach Girls wins Silver Award!
    • Posts on My Books
  • My Book Events
    • My Book Events
    • I’m Signing Books at ALA 2025 in Philly!
Menu
Matt de la Pena and his comeback from sexual misconduct accusations

Scbwi: Matt de la Pena and his comeback from sexual misconduct accusations

Posted on February 5, 2021February 22, 2024 by Pragmatic Mom

Today, I’m going to examine sexual misconduct with two examples. Let’s start with the more public one, Jeb Rubenfeld, Yale Law School tenured professor and husband to Tiger Mom, Amy Chua.

Yale Law Professor, Jeb Rubenfeld, Suspended for Sexual Misconduct

This is from New York Magazine:

Jeb Rubenfeld Suspended for sexual misconduct

Jeb Rubenfeld sexual harassment

Yale Law School sexual misconduct

A two year suspension, however, was not was the victims sought according to the Yale Daily News, Law Students demand Rubenfeld’s permanent removal, greater transparency:

Jeb Rubenfeld suspended

According to The Guardian: Prominent Yale law professor suspended after sexual harassment inquiry:

Jeb Rubenfeld sexual harassment allegation

From the New Haven Register: Yale law professor Rubenfeld, suspended for two years, denies harassing students:
Jeb Rubenfeld is charged with sexual harassment

What’s interesting to me is how difficult it is for Higher Education to discipline professors. Yale Law School’s investigation resulted in only a two-year suspension. It begs the question of what is required for outright dismissal?

In the children’s book publishing industry, something similar seems to have happened. Matt de la Pena has been accused of sexual misconduct while teaching creative writing at a New England college. Some of these allegations surfaced on the now scrubbed School Library Journal article. I have the comments on my post on Sexual Misconduct in Children’s Book Publishing and also here below.

 Matt de la Peña Sexual Misconduct

Accusation 1: “I wonder if any of Matt de la Pena’s students have weighed in. A friend took a writing class with him and recounted several tales of transactional sexual relationships with his students and creepy behavior.”

Accusation 2: “I didn’t respond to Anne’s survey but Matt de la Pena is someone to steer clear of.”

Accusation 3: “Matt de la Peña. You are powerful and respected in this industry, you should be ashamed of the way you speak to and treat female students. Your business is how we write, not how we look. Among several inappropriate comments, you minimized me down to my appearance in a moment of my education that I worked hard for, that should have been one of my proudest. You made me feel small and objectified. I resent it. I am not shocked to see that I am not the only student you abused your power over.”

 

Stephanie Rose‏ 

Matt de la Pena, hasn’t had time to offer an apology in between all of his speaking engagements, but he somehow found time to change his bio. He no longer considers himself a “love doctor.”

Matt de la Pena accused sexual harassment

 

 

Rehabilitating Jeb Rubenfeld’s reputation is laid out by PR firm O’Dywer’s, How Jed Rubenfeld Could Restore His Reputation:

How Jeb Rosenfeld makes a comebackHow Jeb Rubenfeld restores his reputation

Matt de la Pena and How To Restore His Reputation

Scbwi provided the non-profit platform for Matt de la Pena to make his comeback. A donation, perhaps, was the first step:

 

Scbwi: Matt de la Pena

Scbwi: Matt de la Pena scholarship

I wasn’t aware of Matt de la Pena’s scholarships at Scbwi when I first heard that he was a keynote speaker for Scbwi’s Mid-Winter conference. I thought perhaps that Scbwi wasn’t aware that Matt de la Pena has been accused of sexual misconduct before booking him. I was wrong about that. Scbwi was lock step part of Matt de la Pena’s comeback.

It is disappointing that Scbwi’s leadership is complicit in supporting sexual misconduct in the children’s book industry. I would have thought that drawing attention to sexual misconduct only reminds their members of Scbwi’s past association with hosting events in which numerous sexual misconduct incidents took place.

Ishta Mercurio Goes Public as David Díaz Accuser

’13 Reasons Why’ Author Expelled From Writer Organization Over Harassment

Asher files lawsuit against SCBWI after sexual harassment claims

Asher Says He Left SCBWI On His Own, and Feels “Harassed” Himself

Sexual Harassment In Children’s Publishing Reaches a Crisis Point

Sexual Harassment in the Children’s Book Industry

Collateral Damage of Men Behaving Badly Hits One of Ours

 It was just announced in School Library Journal  that her upcoming book Mario and a Hole in the Sky: How a Chemist Saved Our Planet. to be published in April, will be pulped and re-illustrated.  Why? Because it was illustrated by David Díaz,  who was accused in 2017 by illustrator Ishta Mercurio of making an unwanted advance on her at a Society of Childrens’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) conference where Díaz was on the Board of Directors.  The incident occurred  back in 2012 but, as a young,  unpublished illustrator she wasn’t about to make waves. There were, however, contemporaneous witnesses to the affront.

However, in 2012,  SCBWI had received an anonymous complaint against Díaz, which   “corresponded with what the organization’s leadership had observed of Díaz’s behavior at conferences, which they considered unprofessional. At that point, they removed him from the board for a year”… and Díaz received some therapy. He was later readmitted to the board and served another year without incident.  But when Mercurio’s complaint was published in 2017, Díaz and Oliver agreed he should step down permanently.

 

I personally think that Lin Oliver has a finger to the wind in determining Scbwi’s reaction to sexual misconduct claims. As long as they don’t hit the front page news, thus impacting the bottom line, she’s going to continue to support those creators credibly accused, giving them second chances.

The pandemic has affected Scbwi financially as well. The draw of their events is the change to rub shoulders with agents, editors, and well-known authors and illustrators. Removing the in-person factor reduces income. Online events are here for the near term and Scbwi has switched to that model but I’m sure attendance is down. It will take a star-studded lineup to get their conferences sold out again. Matt de la Pena fits the ticket and adds diversity to the mix as well. Not to mention that he’s also a benefactor to the organization, funding scholarships and making, perhaps, other financial donations.

Scbwi is a nonprofit that promotes hopes and dreams, but never forget that it’s in the business of making these dreams happen. And that takes membership renewals and attendee ticket sales. With a 2:1 majority of female members, Scbwi knows how to work that angle. Put men front and center on the stage. It’s an outdated strategy that suggests a change in leadership is in order. But this is an organization where only the bottom line demands accountability. Everything else is just PR.

p.s. Related posts:

Sexual Misconduct: Jay Asher, Matt de la Pena, SCBWI, and #MeToo

Sexual Misconduct in Children’s Book Publishing #MeToo

SCBWI Minnesota Racist Illustration and Gaslighting Response

To examine any book more closely at Amazon, please click on image of book.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

 

Follow PragmaticMom’s board Multicultural Books for Kids on Pinterest.

Follow PragmaticMom’s board Children’s Book Activities on Pinterest.

 

My books:

Cover Reveal: Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime!

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World

  • Junior Library Guild Gold selection
  • Selected as one of 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023 by dPICTUS and featured at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair
  • Starred review from School Library Journal
  • Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
  • Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids

 Amazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me

cover for Sumo JoeChanging the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes by Mia WenjenAmazon / Scholastic / Signed or Inscribed by Me

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship: An Insider’s Guide

How To Coach Girls by Mia Wenjen and Alison FoleyAsian Pacific American Heroes

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Looking for something? Search here.

I’m Mia Wenjen!

Mia Wenjen Pragmatic Mom

Hi, I’m Mia Wenjen. Nice to meet you!

I blog excessively about diverse children’s books (picture books through middle grade). I am also the co-founder of Read Your World Celebrates Multicultural Children’s Book Day on Jan 25, 2024, our 11th year!

I’d love to chat with you. Let’s connect! PragmaticMomBlog (at) gmail (dot) com or through my social media handles.

Free Blog Updates in your Inbox (RSS feed)

Monthly Newsletter with Subscriber Only Giveaways in your Inbox

My Linktree (click for my links & socials)

my linktree

My Websites

  • How To Coach Girls
  • I Love Newton
  • Mia Wenjen (My New Author Website)

Camp Cody: Overnight Camp in New Hampshire

Read Your World LGBTQIA+ Books Save Lives Merch!

https://www.pragmaticmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Read-Your-World-FINAL-Merchandise-Video.mp4

Purchase Read Your World Merch

LGBTQIA+ Books Save Lives Merch.

Buy it here!

Search Amazon

Find Children's Books

Newton Children’s Book Festival 2025

Newton Children's Book Festival 2025

Get My Books Signed or Inscribed through my shop (click to purchase)

Mia Wenjen signed books

Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime! (click to purchase)

Cover Reveal: Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime!

We Sing From the Heart (click to pre-order)

We Sing From the Heart picture book cover reveal of The Slants Simon Tam

FOOD FOR THE FUTURE (click to purchase)

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng

CHANGING THE GAME (click to purchase)

Changing the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes by Mia Wenjen

SUMO JOE (click to purchase)

Sumo Joe cover reveal

Asian Pacific American Heroes (click to purchase)

Asian Pacific American Heroes by Mia Wenjen

GNOMES & UNGNOMES: Poems of Hidden Creatures // I have 3 haiku poems (click to purchase)

GNOMES & UNGNOMES: Poems of Hidden Creatures 3 haiku by Mia Wenjen
Read Your World is Multicultural Children's Book Day

ClothingRIC- A Premium Coupon Website!

ThingsFromMars- The Wondrous World of Wacky Gift Products!

How to Get Kids Reading

  • Multicultural Books for Children: 60+ Book Lists
  • Getting Kids to Love Reading
  • Summer Reading Lists for Kids By Grade
  • Summer Reading Lists for Middle School Kids

Heim Nest Kid Mattress Exclusive Deal

Heim Nest Kid Mattress

AdvancedWriters.com is an expert writing service which helps students with academic writing.

educational toys

CEX.IO is a versatile crypto exchange platform where users can buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies, as well as access resources and tools to learn how to trade effectively.

MyPaperDone.com
is surely one of the best when it comes to paper writing assistance.

My Custom Essay
will guide you through academic life.

Essay Writing Services

If you ask "write my essay", Topessaywriting can help you with paper writing

TranslationReport can help you to choose the best translation service

If you are looking for the most trusted essay writing service, check this article about best essay writing service reviews at Econotimes

educational toys from dhgate stores

Assignment Writing Services Offer Assignment Assistance In UK Based Company 50% Discount Students

Playing at online casinos can be an exciting and rewarding experience, and you can find the best options at casinoszondercruksonline.com. 

For those seeking a safe and reputable gambling experience, the Meest betrouwbare buitenlandse casino lijst is an invaluable resource.

Archives

Categories

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship (click to purchase)

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship: An Insider’s Guide

HOW TO COACH GIRLS (click to purchase)

How To Coach Girls silver award winner

Archives

I’ll be sharing WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE I STARTED MY KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN

HOW TO COACH GIRLS book trailer by Mia Wenjen & Alison Foley

https://youtu.be/j74M0bBxrGg

Recent Posts

  • My Daughter’s Start Up SWARM wins $100k from VentureCat! June 20, 2025
  • The Traveling Taco on Reading Rockets’ Summer Reading Guide 2025! June 18, 2025
  • Cover Reveal for Fight for the Right to Read June 16, 2025
  • We Sing From the Heart makes Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year 2025! June 13, 2025
  • Sumo Joe turns 6 Years Old and 6 book GIVEAWAY! June 11, 2025

Categories

© 2025 Pragmatic Mom | Powered by Superbs Personal Blog theme
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT