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, deliberate exclusion, any harmful behavior, isolation, or demeanment of another individual.
• Discrimination or biased behavior based on race, ethnicity, national origin, disability, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, or any other protected characteristic.
• Gossip, rumor-spreading, targeted efforts or coordinated actions 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, including posts, comments, messages, or content that targets or harms members of the YATA community.
• Threats, stalking, coercion, intimidation, unwanted pursuit, or any behavior that causes fear, distress, or emotional harm.
• Unwanted romantic, sexual, or physical advances, regardless of intent.
• Sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, or any behavior, verbal, physical, or digital that causes another individual to feel unsafe, objectified, pressured, or violated.
• Any physical contact that disregards another person’s boundaries, consent, comfort or personal safety.
• Retaliation of any kind against any person who reports a concern, seeks help, or participates in an investigation.
• Knowingly making false or malicious accusations intended to harm another individual.

Respecting Personal Boundaries

• Every individual has the right to determine, communicate, and enforce 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 any situations that make them uncomfortable or unsafe.
• Concerns regarding safety, boundaries, harassment, or misconduct should be reported immediately to YATA leadership using established reporting channels.

Consequences

YATA reserves the right to investigate any reported or observed violations of this policy. Depending on the severity, frequency, and impact of the behavior, consequences may include:

• Verbal or written warnings and documentation.
• Required meetings with leadership and corrective action plans.
• Removal from productions, classes, events, volunteer opportunities, or leadership roles.
• Temporary suspension from participation in YATA programs.
• Permanent dismissal from YATA programs and facilities.
• Termination of employment or contract. 
• Notification of law enforcement or appropriate authorities when warranted or required. 

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