03/09/2023
In light of the heinous circumstances of the past that have now been revealed to us, the executive committee of Mastermind Model United Nations Club is duty-bound and morally obliged to cut off all ties with the individual Kaushik Sarkar on the grounds of the now-proven allegations of sexual harassment, coercion, psychological manipulation, and threats of violence that have been leveled against him. We denounce the gross acts perpetrated by him, deem them to be contrary to the values of both our institution and club, and regret his participation in any capacity in the club’s activities and decision-making.
The Mastermind Model United Nations Club has always been a club that has held on steadfastly to the ideals of discipline, good conduct, and civility. It is this unwavering commitment to being the best we can be that has propelled us to the heights we have managed to reach as a club and enabled us to create this legacy of greatness. And thus, it was because of this elevated standard of expectation we had for ourselves, each other, and club members that we were left dumbfounded and shell-shocked when the allegations were brought before us by the victims. We were left frozen in place by how outlandish the situation had become and disgusted by how someone from among us had, prior to his tenure as an executive club member, flouted each and every rule that we had set for ourselves. If our responses to these appalling transgressions have been indecisive or lackluster, it is simply because of the lack of precedent we had for both the events that have transpired as well as the justice that was rightfully demanded from us. For every executive member of the Mastermind Model United Nations Club, this has been a week of distress and confusion. Our distress, however, pales in comparison to that of Kaushik Sarkar’s victims.
We extend our condolences to the sufferers and applaud them for coming forward with their stories. At the same time, we apologize for any obstacle to or delay in the justice that is their fundamental right. Their admirable courage and resilience have made a profound impression on all of us, and we promise that harsh measures will be taken against the offender in addition to those that have already been taken.
Finally, we commit ourselves to being more vigilant against such acts and individuals in the future. What has transpired should happen to no one, at no place, and it is our duty to ensure that it certainly never happens again.
Executive Committee
Mastermind Model United Nations Club
