I've received a few e-mails asking what happened with the Southwell suit -- the one where a (former) Soka University professor sued Soka for religious descrimination and wrongful termination. The Southwell complaint referred to SGI as a cult in all caps: CULT. (Clicking this link unavailable will open a rather large PDF file of the complaint.)
A little while ago my good friend Paul was crowing that SGI had "won" the case and demanded that I issue an apology for questioning the integrity of Soka and the CULT unavailable on BuddhaJones. But Soka didn't "win," so I'm not apologizing.
At a faculty forum in August (or September?) 2003, Soka Dean of Faculty Michael Hays announced that the case was over because an out-of-court settlement with Linda Southwell had been reached. Southwell was reinstated to her faculty position, which she then resigned. There was a prepared statement that Southwell was allowed to give about the case, but I don't know what it was/is since I have never communicated with her. I called her lawyer to ask him about the details of the settlement, but he would say only that the suit was settled satisfactorily.
What I have been told from Soka sources is that SGI paid the Southwells $4.5 million as part of the settlement, but others say it was $5 million.
There are many SGI members who see the Southwell suit as a devilish persecution befalling a righteous organization, which proves Soka's righteous all the more. If this is how you feel, please keep in mind that "Soka University of America welcomes gifts for general support or specified use dead link ," and there are many ways to give including cash, living trusts and life insurance. Contact the fundraising staff dead link at Soka to find out how your dollars can help this struggling university which has assets in excess of $700 million and only about 200 students, who each pay $26,000 per year dead link to attend.
Please give generously. I know I did.
Lisa J.
Comments
Lisa:
Where will the money to pay off this settlement come from? I would be very concerned if this settlement is paid with member's donations and without a full disclosure of the matter in the World Tribune. I find it fascinating that full coverage is given to the many court cases in Japan between the SGI and Nichiren Shoshu, the SGI and various journalists, et al.
I don't understand why the SGI must spin everything to make it look beyond reproach and crashing down so hard on supposed enemies.
In your opinion, what will need to happen so the SGI -- SGI-USA tells the whole truth of their financial situation. I would be interested to know salaries, especially of all key people, revenues from publications and donations, and expeditures.
Why is this such a secret?
Thanks, Charles
Lisa, thanks for staying on top of this issue. I hope to see more info, as it becomes available.
I have to chuckle (fondly, Charles) at Charles' question, though. He asks: "Why is this such a secret?" Having been around the SGI a while and seeing how it operates, I think a better question is: "Why have they let so much information slip out? Are they getting sloppy?"
Cheers!
Andy
Okay guys, lets not jump into conclusions. Right now this multi-million dollar "pay-off" is by word of mouth, not factual evidence. Sometimes it is cheaper to settle out of court than fight in court. It is possible that more money was saved this way.
...Just a thought.