Back when I went to Ringling, I had several encounters with Chris Shaffer. Not a single one was positive. If you have a few dollars, please consider throwing them toward her legal fees: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-megan-ruiz-with-legal-fees

My favorite Chris Shaffer story happened my sophomore year of Ringling. I had been homeless since the beginning of the year (FAFSA + private loans all going into tuiton). Thankfully I had an incredible friend group who let me couch hop in their apts, houses, and dorms. (1/X)

As soon as Shaffer found out about this he first called me a liar and got in my face threatening to call the Police unless I vacated. Once I moved all my belongings out, he called me into his office where I was blindsided by a cast of RAs and Ringling Staff (2/X)

He then proceeded to spend the next 20 minutes berating me for attempting to "game the system". He called me a liar, and threatened to have me suspended. When he saw my distress, he doubled down. He told me that he was going to "call my bluff". (3/X)

He then proceeded to open up my academic records. He insinuated that "maybe I shouldn't be going to this school if I cant keep up my grades". I had a C average at the time, and was working two jobs. When I informed him of this he replied "we'll see about that" (4/X)

He then proceed to read out my private financial records to the room full of staffers who I had never met (except for JJ). God, even remembering the cruel tone that he had when he read through each line is enough to make my hands shake. (5/X)

When he got done, he called me a liar. He said that something didn't add up. "How could I be going to this school if I didn't have an additional $14,000 to pay for housing". He continued tearing into me, publicly, even though everything I said had been confirmed (6/X)

Still, he didn't let up. Once I stopped responding to his jabs, he continued talking like I wasn't even in the room. Finally I couldn't take it any more. I broke down and cried. In public. In front of Chris, JJ, and the room full of people. Like a fucking baby. (7/X)

Gross, ugly, uncontrollable tears. He was dangling my future career above my head like a carrot on a stick and he knew it.

Eventually I was asked to leave, and life went on.

There is more to this story, and more stories like it. (8/X)

I don't feel comfortable sharing the experiences of my fellow classmates, and I don't think I'd add anything new to the conversation by sharing more of my own.

I was fortunate. Fortunate to have one of the most supportive and loving group of friends at Ringling. (9/X)

For every long winded twitter thread detailing yet another abuse of power from Chris, I can assure you there are hundreds more that aren't put into the spotlight.

It makes sense that Shaffer would go after Megan. He's terrified more people will come forward. (10/X)

To wrap up this thread, I can only hope that this man sees the consequences that come from a career based on systematic abuse.

This is not the man you want in a place of authority and influence over children. Full stop.

And to Chris: Eat my entire ass.

(11/11)