DATE: June 12, 2000
CONTACT: Anuttama Dasa
PHONE: +1 (301) 299-9707
Washington, D.C.—A lawsuit alleging that child abuse occurred in the 1970's and 1980's at several parochial schools and temples affiliated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), known as the Hare Krishna movement, was filed on June 12, 2000, in the Federal District Court in Dallas, Texas The suit seeks $400 million dollars in damages.
"It is terrible that child abuse has infected public and private schools, neighborhoods, churches, and families," said Anuttama Dasa, Director of ISKCON Communications. "Sadly, many children of the Hare Krishna society have also been victimized. If the events alleged in this suit did occur, we regret that they did, and we will make every effort to help address the needs of the young people named in the suit," said Dasa.”
“At the same time, numerous allegations made in the suit by the lawyer, Windle Turley of Dallas are gross exaggerations and outright falsehoods,” Dasa said.
The Vaishnava religious tradition to which Hare Krishna devotees adhere is a monotheistic branch of the Hindu faith. Vaishnava scriptures state that the protection and care of children is an essential religious practice. According to Dasa, child abuse in any form is "horrible violation" of Krishna principles.
Krishnas have made considerable efforts in recent years to prevent abuse and, when necessary, to provide counseling and financial assistance for past victims. In 1990, policies were established requiring abuse-prevention education for Krishna children and the immediate reporting of all suspected abuse to government and legal authorities.
In 1996, the organization "Children of Krishna" was formed to help Krishna youth with education, vocational training and grants for college. In 1998, the ISKCON Office of Child Protection was established with a professional staff to:
• investigate and adjudicate allegations of past abuse, especially where local legal systems are ineffective or lacking.
• provide financial support and counseling for abuse victims, and
• work with ISKCON temples, managers and educators to enhance screening and child protection programs
In addition, the traditional Indian-style boarding schools, or gurukulas, that the Krishnas established in North America in the 1970's were closed, or transformed into day schools. The only exception is a small boarding school for high school age girls in northern Florida Day schools, Krishna leaders say, provide greater scope for parental involvement and watchfulness over the children.
Krishna temples are independently incorporated. Most have relatively small congregations and limited resources. The $400 million suit is “far, far beyond” the total financial assets of Krishna temples named in the suit, according to Dasa.
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