Anti-Discrimination Policy
Children’s Theatre of Southern Maryland (CTSMD) is committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment for all participants, including performers, staff, volunteers, and audience members. This policy outlines our stance against discrimination and our dedication to promoting equity, respect, and diversity within our organization and its activities.
Policy statement
CTSMD strictly prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
We strive to:
Scope
This policy applies to:
Implementation
Removal and exclusion of members not in good standing
CTSMD recognizes that maintaining a positive and productive environment sometimes requires the removal or exclusion of individuals whose behavior violates organizational values, policies, or community standards. While honoring our commitment to inclusion and anti-discrimination, CTSMD reserves the right to act in the best interests of the organization and its members.
Grounds for removal
Removal process
Decision and notification
Reinstatement process
Commitment to growth
CTSMD is dedicated to continuous learning and improvement in our efforts to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We welcome feedback and ideas for making our theatre a more inclusive space for all.
Contact information
Concerns or questions regarding this policy can be directed to the CTSMD Board of Directors at [email protected].
Approved January 19, 2025
Policy statement
CTSMD strictly prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
We strive to:
- Foster Inclusivity
- Encourage diversity and equal opportunities in casting, participation, and leadership roles.
- Respect Individuality
- Value and respect the unique perspectives, identities, and contributions of every individual involved in our programs.
- Ensure Accessibility
- Provide reasonable accommodations to ensure that all individuals can fully participate in and enjoy CTSMD programs.
Scope
This policy applies to:
- Staff, board members, and contractors.
- Volunteers and participants in our productions, camps, and programs.
- Audience members attending our performances or events.
Implementation
- Training
- Provide regular anti-discrimination and inclusion training to staff, volunteers, and leadership.
- Complaint Process
- Create a clear, confidential process for reporting discrimination or harassment, ensuring prompt investigation and resolution.
- Accountability
- Enforce this policy through appropriate actions, including warnings, training, or removal from CTSMD programs if necessary.
Removal and exclusion of members not in good standing
CTSMD recognizes that maintaining a positive and productive environment sometimes requires the removal or exclusion of individuals whose behavior violates organizational values, policies, or community standards. While honoring our commitment to inclusion and anti-discrimination, CTSMD reserves the right to act in the best interests of the organization and its members.
Grounds for removal
- Engaging in discriminatory, harassing, or abusive behavior.
- Violating organizational policies, including but not limited to this Anti-Discrimination Policy.
- Behaviors or actions that disrupt the safety, productivity, or integrity of CTSMD operations or events.
Removal process
- Investigation
- A fair and thorough investigation will be conducted by a designated committee or impartial party upon receipt of a formal complaint or when concerning behaviors are reported.
- Review and Deliberation
- The findings will be reviewed by the Executive Board or appropriate committee to ensure that the decision aligns with CTSMD policies and values.
Decision and notification
- If removal or exclusion is deemed necessary, the individual will receive written notice detailing the reasons for the decision, the evidence considered, and any potential steps for future reinstatement (if applicable).
- Individuals will have the opportunity to appeal the decision to the CTSMD Board within a specified timeframe (e.g., 14 days).
- CTSMD emphasizes that decisions to remove or exclude individuals will not be based on any protected characteristic or personal identity. Any removal action must be tied explicitly to documented behaviors or violations of CTSMD policies.
Reinstatement process
- Individuals seeking reinstatement may submit a formal request to the executive board outlining steps they have taken to address the behavior that led to removal.
- The Board will review the request and provide a decision within 30 days.
Commitment to growth
CTSMD is dedicated to continuous learning and improvement in our efforts to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We welcome feedback and ideas for making our theatre a more inclusive space for all.
Contact information
Concerns or questions regarding this policy can be directed to the CTSMD Board of Directors at [email protected].
Approved January 19, 2025