Community Safety & Conduct Policy

YATA is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for all participants. Every member of our community shares responsibility for protecting that environment.

The following behaviors are inconsistent with our mission and will not be tolerated.

Zero-Tolerance Behaviors

• Bullying, intimidation, harassment, or deliberate exclusion of any individual.
• Discrimination based on race, ethnicity, national origin, disability, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, or any other protected characteristic.
• Gossip, rumor-spreading, or targeted efforts intended to damage the reputation of a student, family, director, staff member, volunteer, or the organization itself.
• Online harassment, cyberbullying, or inappropriate social media conduct directed toward members of the YATA community.
• Threats, stalking, coercion, intimidation, or unwanted pursuit of any individual.
• Unwanted romantic, sexual, or physical advances.
• Sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, or any behavior that causes another individual to feel unsafe, objectified, pressured, or violated.
• Any physical contact that disregards another person’s boundaries, consent, or personal safety.
• Retaliation against any person who reports a concern or participates in an investigation.
• Knowingly making false accusations intended to harm another individual.

Respecting Personal Boundaries

• Every individual has the right to determine and communicate their own physical, emotional, and personal boundaries.
• Consent, respect, and professionalism are expected in all interactions.
• No student or adult should ever feel pressured into physical contact, personal conversations, relationships, or situations that make them uncomfortable.
• Concerns regarding safety, boundaries, harassment, or misconduct should be reported immediately to YATA leadership.

Consequences

YATA reserves the right to investigate reported violations of this policy. Depending on the severity of the behavior, consequences may include:

• Verbal or written warnings.
• Required meetings with leadership.
• Removal from productions, classes, events, or volunteer opportunities.
• Suspension from participation.
• Permanent dismissal from YATA programs and facilities.
• Termination of employment. 
• Notification of law enforcement or appropriate authorities when warranted. 

YATA may take action whenever credible evidence demonstrates that behavior has violated these standards, regardless of whether the conduct occurred in person, online, during YATA activities, or in other settings where the behavior substantially impacts the safety, well-being, or functioning of the YATA community.