We, concerned members of the community, are deeply troubled by the discrimination and mistreatment experienced by priests and volunteers within our local temple, Sri Venkateswara Temple, Novi, Michigan. This issue strikes at the heart of our Hindu faith and traditions, which should be honored and respected within our sacred spaces.

Unfortunately, some board members, though not all, have displayed arrogance and demanded preferential treatment for themselves. Despite the temple's development relying on public funding and the dedicated efforts of various volunteers over the years, certain board members, upon assuming power, have exhibited discriminatory behavior towards specific volunteers without justification. They have also falsely accused volunteers without evidence, introduced caste politics, and favored individuals aligned with their discriminatory practices.

Moreover, these board members have misused temple funds for inappropriate purposes, including the purchase of alcohol and serving non-vegetarian meals during fundraising events. Such actions not only contradict our religious values but also betray the trust of the community.

Since the temple's inception, these board members have consistently undermined the established systems to serve their own interests. They have shown disdain towards Brahmins and made disparaging remarks in public settings. Despite the rotation of the board, whenever these individuals assume power, they seek to subvert existing practices and target devout followers of Lord Venkateswara.

The situation at our local temple mirrors the concerning statistic revealed by the Pew Research Center, indicating that 64% of American Hindus have encountered discrimination based on their religious beliefs.

We demand immediate action to address these injustices. Specifically, we call for the suspension of all notices and actions initiated by the current board (https://www.svtemplemi.org/executive-committee/) until a new board is established. Furthermore, we urge the removal of board members who have permitted such discriminatory practices to persist under their leadership. We advocate for the fair and respectful treatment of all priests and volunteers, as well as transparent management of temple funds consistent with Hindu principles.

If you oppose discrimination in any form and support upholding the sanctity of religious institutions, we invite you to add your signature to this petition.

Note: If you have any concerns or disagreements with the content of this petition, please reach out to us. We are open to reviewing and making appropriate revisions based on valid feedback.