Ethics Complaint Procedures

Ethics Complaint Procedures

What is the Code of Ethics of the Iyengar Yoga Association of Canada/Association canadienne de yoga Iyengar (IYAC/ACYI)?

The IYAC/ACYI Code of Ethics Click to see the document –is a systematic collection of rules and conduct guiding ethical behaviour for all members who teach Iyengar yoga. At the request of Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar, the Code draws from the first two limbs of Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtras, the Yamas and Niyamas. These moral and ethical principles govern how Iyengar yoga teachers and student teachers are expected to behave in the context of the student/teacher relationship, and as teacher colleagues.

Who is the IYAC/ACYI Ethics Committee?

Chair: Gary Wong

Ethics Advisor: Sue Brimner

Members: Lori Berenz, Jayne Jonas

The IYAC/ACYI Board of Directors appoints the Ethics Advisor and provides support as needed. A Board member serves as the Ethics Liaison between the Ethics Committee and the Board, should ethics matters need to be brought to the Board’s attention.

What is the role of the Ethics Advisor?

The role of the Ethics Advisor is to:

  • field questions from IYAC/ACYI members, or from students of IYAC/ACYI teacher/student teacher members, regarding matters relating to the Code of Ethics
  • provide informal, impartial, and confidential advice as needed
  • act independently of all other IYAC/ACYI committees to maximize fairness and impartiality
  • document the process followed in addressing ethics issues received from IYAC/ACYI members, or students of IYAC/ACYI teacher/student teacher members
  • where warranted, refer formal complaints to the IYAC/ACYI President for resolution according to the IYAC/ACYI By-Laws
  • maintain confidentiality (apart from consultation with the President).

Voicing Concerns:

The first step in expressing any concern is through an informal discussion with Ethics Advisor Susan Brimner or a senior teacher in your community.

If you feel that it is necessary to lodge a formal complaint against a member, the IYAC/ACYI By-Laws Section 12 describe in detail how a complaint panel is formed, and how the panel is required to handle the complaint.

Grounds for filing a formal complaint against a member, as stated in the IYAC/ACYI By-Laws:

  1. Violating the Articles, By-Laws, ethical guidelines, teaching standards, or written policies of the IYAC/ACYI;
  2. Engaging in conduct which conflicts with the purposes of the IYAC/ACYI;
  3. Breaching an undertaking given by the member to the IYAC/ACYI; and
  4. Any other reasonable ground, having regard to the purposes of the IYAC/ACYI.

We encourage you to contact Ethics Advisor Susan Brimner
any time with questions or concerns.

 

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