2022 GBC Resolution: Refraining from Interfering in Investigations
REFRAINING THE GBC FROM INTERVENING IN THE WORK OF VARIOUS ISKCON AGENCIES, OFFICES AND COMMITTEES
Approved 20th JULY 2022
WHEREAS the GBC Body (“GBC”) has created various ISKCON agencies, offices and committees to which it has delegated authority to deal with abuse of minors, leadership sexual misconduct and other transgressions involving ISKCON sannyasis, gurus, leaders and members. As of the date hereof, these agencies, offices and committees are the ISKCON Child Protection Office (“ICPO”), the Prevention of Leadership Misconduct Office (“PLMO”), the ISKCON Sannyasa Ministry and the Guru Services Committee.
WHEREAS a few of these agencies, offices and committees, such as the ISKCON Sannyasa Ministry and the Guru Services Committee contain, within their Guidelines, provisions by which the GBC may be called to act as a decision-making or appellate adjudicatory body.
WHEREAS the GBC recognizes the necessity for these agencies, offices and committees to function without the intervention of the GBC, except in instances where the Guidelines of these agencies, offices and committees provide otherwise.
BE IT, THEREFORE, RESOLVED THAT, henceforth, all allegations of conduct risking or resulting in the physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation of a minor shall be directly and automatically referred to the ICPO; all allegations of a sexual act or behaviour by an ISKCON leader with adults, or other misconduct, which are in violation of the standard of behaviour for ISKCON leaders as contained in ISKCON Law as well as the Code of Ethical Behaviour, directly and automatically to the PLMO; all allegations of misconduct by an ISKCON sannyasi, directly and automatically to the ISKCON Sannyasa Ministry and all allegations of misconduct by an ISKCON guru, directly and automatically to the ISKCON Guru Services Committee. Where any allegation of misconduct falls under the jurisdiction of multiple ISKCON agencies, offices and committees, there shall be concurrent jurisdiction of each.
Except for appointing the CPO and PLMO Directors and approving CPO and PLMO Guideline and policy objectives, the GBC Body shall refrain from intervening in the work of the various ISKCON agencies, offices and committees described herein.
