Tamohara das: The New Raman Reti Management Board recently approved a new Anti-Harassment Policy for the Temple. This new version updates and expands the policy, and gives focus to procedures for dealing with any instance of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment has no place in a community of devotees and the Temple Board and Management wish to ensure that it will not be tolerated.
There are two aspects to dealing with the issue: Education and Enforcement. To these ends the Board has authorized the formation of a Temple Safety Committee which will deal with any complaints of harassment as well as develop educational programs and resources. In March, we began educational efforts with a seminar on sexual harassment attended by over 60 devotees, including all temple residents. The Temple Safety Committee will further education on this topic through developing brochures, classes, and other information and resource lists.
One of the main purposes of the Temple Safety Committee will be to hear, investigate, and give recommendations to the Board regarding any complaint of sexual or other harassment committed on temple property, temple projects and events, or by temple employees. Anyone who feels they are a victim of sexual harassment connected with the New Raman Reti temple may contact any member of the Temple Safety Committee.
The Committee brings a great deal of both professional and devotional experience. We are fortunate to have as Committee chair Sevapriya dasi, who moved to Gainesville in the last year. She is an Associate Dean of Students at University of Florida, an attorney, and has many years of experience dealing with compliance issue such as sexual harassment in major University positions.
The members and contacts for the Temple Safety Committee are:
1. Seva Priya devi dasi (JD) – Chair sevapriya@gmail.com
2. Radhikesa das (MD) drr.rns108@gmail.com
3. Dhira devi dasi (MSW, Ph.D.) dhira@hotmail.com
4. Rucira devi dasi ruciradd@gmail.com
5. Tamohara das (Ed.D) – advisor