Vrindavan School (Bhaktivedanta Gurukula &
International School – BGIS)
Whereas,
several months ago students of the Vrindavan school (BGIS) were
sexually abused off site by a local perpetrator who is known to
be a danger. The school pushed police authorities to have the
alleged perpetrator, Devashish, arrested and a trial is
proceeding. To push for the arrest and prosecution in a region
where police are usually unwilling to take strong action is
commendable.
Whereas, that
any abuse could again occur in the vicinity of this
school—despite the high priority of child protection we should
expect there—is unacceptable. It demonstrates that the school
did not have adequate measures in place to ensure the safety of
its students.
Whereas, the
Director of the ISKCON Child Protection Office has determined
that child protection training, policies, and enforcement are
inadequate within the BGIS.
