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October 27, 2018

Subject: Condemning harassment at Dashain get-together and actions

Dear SEBSers,

SEBS North America is deeply shocked, ashamed and concerned about the incident that happened during
the Dashain get-together organized by SEBS on October 6, 2018 at Good Mixer, Lalitpur, Nepal. Based on
the information we received so far, which includes accounts from many individuals present in the program
including SEBS North America members and members of the Executive Committee of SEBS, we believe
that one of our female members was made uncomfortable and harassed by a male member.

SEBS-NA denounces such behavior from any of its members in formal or informal settings and gatherings.
It is a serious defamation and an attack on the values put forward by our respected alma mater about
respect and equity. It is an attack to our long history of a strong community with shared values of
respecting individual dignity. As an institution we strongly condemn any forms of harassment,
bullying and oppression. Board Members at SEBS NA, unanimously believe that there should be a public
apology from the SEBSer involved in the incident.

With this statement, we would also like to apologize to all of our female members who were deeply affected
by the incident. We respect our members who came out to share their stories with the community. We
would like to assure you that SEBS North America is committed to take actions that would prevent any
forms of harassment, bullying and oppression.
Following the event and several executive committee meetings thereafter, SEBS North America is taking
the following actions:

? We will be supporting the committee formed by SEBS to implement a strong policy against
harassment and bullying.

? We will be drafting a policy to avoid harassment and bullying in events, formal and informal
gatherings, organized by SEBS North America. The policy will include clear action plans to punish
the perpetrator and extend all possible support to the survivor. The policy will be released online for
your reference.

? Members of the executive board of SEBS-NA unanimously agreed for a mandatory annual training
against harassment and bullying for all its board members. SEBS NA is seeking collaboration with
SEBSers who are working on policy development against workplace harassment and bullying.

? We will support SEBS in its effort to collaborate with Budhanilkantha School to revisit policies that
prevent harassment, oppression and bullying.

Sincerely,
Bharat Kandel
President (2017-19) [On behalf of the SEBS-NA Executive Committee]