The Zen Center of San Diego has released a statement regarding the resolution of recent litigation against it and its former teacher, Ezra Bayda, over sexual misconduct allegations. Mr. Bayda had been a member of the White Plum Asanga, but he resigned soon after being dismissed by the ZCSD board.
Here is a statement from SDZC:
ANNOUNCEMENT CONCERNING LITIGATION AGAINST THE ZEN CENTER [ OF SAN DIEGO]
The Board of Trustees of the Zen Center of San Diego has always taken claims of sexual harassment and abuse very seriously. In addition, the Board of Trustees has always endeavored to provide a safe environment for every person attending the Zendo. In July 2019, the Board of Trustees received actual claims of sexual abuse by Ezra Bayda, and it immediately suspended him from teaching and retained Faith Trust Institute to undertake an independent investigation and analysis of the claims being presented. Faith Trust Institute, at the board’s direction, invited everyone having an interest in the investigation to participate. After Faith Trust Institute delivered its findings and analysis to the Board, the Board dismissed Mr. Bayda and presented a summary of the investigation’s findings to the ZCSD membership at the Zendo on November 2, 2019.
Subsequently, two of the women who participated in the investigation filed litigation in the San Diego Superior Court against the Zen Center and Mr. Bayda. That litigation has now resolved in a global settlement of all parties. As part of the terms of that settlement, all parties have acknowledged that the settlement constitutes a compromise of disputed claims that is not to be construed as an admission of liability on the part of any party.
In moving forward, we remind the membership that the Board continues its commitment to providing a safe environment to all. ZCSD’s Sexual Misconduct Complaint Procedure and its Code of Ethical Conduct for Teachers/Practice Leaders are located on its webpage at: http://www.zencentersandiego.org/Policies/
– The 2022 ZCSD Board of Trustees