ANTI HARASSMENT POLICY

  1. Policy Statement

Sandesha Yoga Canada is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, inclusive and spiritually grounded environment for all participants. Every individual has the right to be treated with dignity and respect.

Harassment, discrimination, and misconduct are strictly prohibited. Sandesha Yoga Canada maintains a zero tolerance policy toward harassment based on race, colour, ethnicity, ancestry, nationality, religion, creed, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, family status, or any other ground protected under Canadian federal or provincial human rights legislation.

This policy aims to:

• Prevent harassment through awareness and education
• Provide clear procedures for reporting and investigation
• Ensure complaints are addressed promptly and fairly
• Protect individuals from retaliation

  1. Scope

This policy applies to:

• Employees and independent contractors
• Teachers and facilitators
• Volunteers
• Students and retreat participants
• Guests and visitors
• Board members

The policy applies to conduct occurring:

• On Sandesha Yoga Canada premises
• During retreats, classes, workshops or events
• During online programs
• During travel related to Sandesha Yoga Canada
• In electronic communications connected to Sandesha Yoga Canada

  1. Definition of Harassment

Harassment includes any unwelcome conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile, humiliating or offensive environment.

Examples include:

• Offensive comments or slurs
• Derogatory jokes
• Unwanted physical contact
• Repeated unwanted communication
• Intimidation or threats
• Display of discriminatory material
• Stalking

  1. Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment includes:

• Unwelcome sexual advances
• Requests for sexual favours
• Suggestive comments or gestures
• Sexual jokes or remarks
• Non consensual touching
• Conditioning participation or opportunity on sexual cooperation

Consent must be clear, voluntary and ongoing.

  1. Reporting Procedure

Complaints must be submitted in writing to:

Sandesha Yoga Canada
Email: [insert official email]
Address: [insert official address]

The complaint should include:

• Name and contact details of the complainant
• Name of the respondent
• Description of the incident
• Date and location
• Names of witnesses
• Supporting evidence

Anonymous complaints will not generally be investigated.

  1. Investigation

A preliminary review will determine whether the complaint falls under this policy. If accepted:

• Both parties will be notified
• Evidence will be reviewed
• Witnesses may be interviewed
• Findings will be made based on balance of probabilities

  1. Corrective Action

If misconduct is confirmed, actions may include:

• Written warning
• Mandatory training
• Removal from program
• Termination of employment or volunteer role
• Permanent exclusion
• Referral to authorities where appropriate

  1. Confidentiality

Information will be handled sensitively and shared only where necessary to ensure fairness.

  1. Appeal

Either party may appeal within thirty days on grounds of procedural error or new evidence. The decision of the Board or designated authority is final.

ANTI RETALIATION POLICY
Sandesha Yoga Canada

  1. Policy Statement

Sandesha Yoga Canada strictly prohibits retaliation against any individual who:

• Files a complaint in good faith
• Participates in an investigation
• Provides information as a witness
• Raises concerns regarding misconduct

Retaliation undermines safety and trust and will not be tolerated.

  1. Definition of Retaliation

Retaliation includes any adverse action taken because an individual exercised their rights under Sandesha Yoga Canada policies.

Examples include:

• Termination or removal from programs
• Demotion or denial of opportunities
• Threats or intimidation
• Social exclusion
• Negative grading or certification decisions
• Harassment following a complaint

  1. Reporting Retaliation

Retaliation complaints should be submitted in writing to:

Sandesha Yoga Canada
Email: [insert official email]
Address: [insert official address]

  1. Investigation and Consequences

Retaliation complaints will be investigated promptly. Confirmed retaliation may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination or permanent removal.