1. Harassment & Discrimination

Harassment under the Alberta Human Rights Commission guidelines and the Alberta Human Rights Act includes unwelcome verbal, physical, or psychological conduct based on protected grounds, including:

• Race

• Religious beliefs

• Colour

• Gender

• Gender identity

• Gender expression

• Physical disability

• Mental disability

• Age

• Ancestry

• Place of origin

• Marital status

• Source of income

• Family status

• Sexual orientation

Harassment may occur regardless of intent and will not be tolerated.

Examples include (but are not limited to):

• Verbal or physical abuse

• Threats or intimidation

• Derogatory remarks, slurs, or jokes

• Innuendo or offensive comments

• Displaying offensive or inappropriate materials

• Unwelcome invitations or advances

2. Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination and includes any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, including:

• Unwanted physical contact (e.g., touching, pinching, rubbing)

• Sexual comments, jokes, or innuendo

• Requests for sexual favours

• Displaying sexual or pornographic material

• Any behaviour that creates an uncomfortable, intimidating, or hostile environment

Sexual harassment may occur regardless of intent and will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

3. Bullying & Inappropriate Conduct

UniverseSoul Dance Inc. maintains a zero-tolerance approach to bullying and inappropriate conduct, regardless of whether it relates to a protected ground.

Bullying includes (but is not limited to):

• Intimidation, threats, or aggressive behaviour

• Exclusion, cliques, or social isolation

• Gossip, spreading rumours, or undermining others

• Public shaming or humiliation

• Disrespectful communication (verbal, written, or online)

All individuals are expected to communicate respectfully and maintain appropriate behaviour at all times.

4. Scope of Policy

This policy applies to all individuals involved with UniverseSoul Dance Inc., including:

• Staff and independent contractors

• Students and participants

• Parents/guardians

• Guests and visitors

It applies to all studio-related settings, including:

• In-studio activities

• Events, competitions, and performances

• Studio communications (email, messaging, etc.)

• Social media and digital interactions connected to the studio

5. Reporting & How to Proceed

Anyone who experiences or witnesses behaviour that violates this policy is encouraged to report it.

Options for reporting include:

• Speaking directly to a staff member, instructor, or director

• Submitting an internal incident report

• Submitting an external Questions, Comments & Concerns form

If possible, individuals are encouraged to:

• Clearly communicate that the behaviour is unwelcome

• Document details (dates, times, witnesses, and description of events)

Reports may be made by staff, students, or families.

Individuals also have the right to contact the Alberta Human Rights Commission or appropriate authorities where applicable.

Internal Incident Report: https://forms.gle/FU1thuE2C3NWZLuo9

External Questions, Comments, Concerns and Incidents: https://forms.gle/VozTESD8LYSro8126

6. Investigation Process

All reports will be taken seriously and handled with discretion and confidentiality.

• Reports will be reviewed promptly by management

• Relevant individuals may be interviewed

• Additional information may be collected as needed

• Mediation may be considered where appropriate

• A formal investigation may be conducted if necessary

If a complaint is substantiated, appropriate action will be taken, which may include:

• Verbal or written warnings

• Suspension

• Removal from programming

• Termination of employment or contracts

7. Protection from Retaliation

UniverseSoul Dance Inc. strictly prohibits retaliation against any individual who:

• Reports a concern in good faith

• Participates in an investigation

• Provides information related to a complaint

Any form of retaliation will be treated as a serious violation of this policy.

8. Professional Boundaries & Relationships

UniverseSoul Dance Inc. recognizes that personal relationships may develop between consenting adults. These relationships are permitted; however, all individuals are expected to maintain professionalism at all times.

• Personal or romantic relationships must not interfere with workplace responsibilities, studio operations, or the experience of students and families.

• Individuals in a personal relationship must not engage in behaviour that could create a conflict of interest, favouritism, or discomfort for others within the studio environment.

• Any relationship that involves a power imbalance (e.g., supervisory, evaluative, or decision-making authority) must be disclosed to management so that appropriate steps can be taken to mitigate potential conflicts.

Romantic or intimate relationships between staff (including contractors) and students, clients, or their family members are strictly prohibited. Any violation of this boundary may result in immediate termination of employment or contractual relationship.

All individuals are expected to uphold appropriate professional boundaries at all times, both within the studio and in any studio-related environment.

9. Responsibility of Leadership

All directors, instructors, and individuals in positions of authority are responsible for:

• Promoting a safe and respectful environment

• Taking all concerns seriously

• Reporting and addressing incidents promptly

• Ensuring this policy is upheld at all times

No concern should be dismissed, minimized, or ignored.

10. Policy Acknowledgement

By participating in, working with, or engaging with UniverseSoul Dance Inc., all individuals agree to uphold the standards outlined in this policy.

Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action, up to and including removal from the studio.