To begin, we are so grateful for you being part of Upaya’s local sangha. This communication from Upaya Zen Center's leadership is to let you know that Kozan Matthew Palevsky has stepped down from Upaya’s Board of Directors on April 19, 2025. He also has completely stepped away from teaching and mentoring. These mutually agreed upon actions are the result of his breaches of our Ethics Code around boundary issues with students.
We recognize the impact of Kozan’s actions on his students, those directly involved, our colleagues, the wider community, and our organization. We are creating processes to repair and, as well, to prevent ethical breaches in the future.
These are the steps we are taking:
• We have informed the resident body, core teachers, and Upaya’s chaplain community.
• We are refining our ethics policy and are creating a new HEAR committee that is representative of not only the Abbot's Council but also the wider community.
• We are consulting with professionals who specialize in guiding organizations to address allegations and actions related to ethical misconduct.
• Together we are moving forward to care for the sangha, those directly involved, and creating processes to prevent such issues in the future.
With appreciation for the local sangha’s support and patience, we are deeply engaged in addressing this situation. If you have questions and concerns, please email us at ethics@upaya.org
Upaya Leadership
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Thank you for this acknowledgement and for the actions taken to address these breaches. It is essential that there be such transparency and care.
I have visited at Upaya for programs and when I come to Santa Fe from PA. I am sorry to hear of the problems with Kozan. It must be a difficult time for him as well as the people who trusted him. I am certain that Upaya and Roshi will work diligently to make changes. Best to all involved.