Racism, Anti-Semitism, and Bullying

Policy on Intolerance of Racism, Anti-Semitism, and Bullying
in The Footlights Group

At The Footlights Group, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment that celebrates individuals from all walks of life. We firmly believe in promoting equality, respect, and understanding among our members. This policy outlines our stance on intolerance, specifically addressing racism, anti-Semitism, and all forms of bullying, whether verbal, non-verbal or through gestures. Additionally, we emphasise our celebration of gender identity, cultural beliefs, religion, socio-economic background, and neurodiversity.

1. Racism and Anti-Semitism:
a. The Footlights Group strictly prohibits any form of racism or anti-Semitism within our organisation. We define racism as the belief that one race is superior to others and anti-Semitism as prejudice, discrimination, or hostility towards Jewish individuals or their culture.
b. Members found engaging in racist or anti-Semitic behaviour will face disciplinary action, which may include warnings, suspension, or expulsion from the group, depending on the severity of the offence.
c. We encourage all members to report any incidents of racism or anti-Semitism to the designated authority within The Footlights Group. Confidentiality will be maintained throughout the reporting process.

2. Bullying:
a. The Footlights Group has a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of bullying, including verbal, non-verbal, or gestural acts that cause harm, distress, or discomfort to others.
b. We define bullying as any repeated, intentional, and aggressive behaviour that targets an individual or group, causing physical or emotional harm.
c. Members found guilty of bullying will face disciplinary action, which may include warnings, suspension, or expulsion from the group, depending on the severity of the offence.
d. We encourage all members to report any incidents of bullying to the designated authority within The Footlights Group. Confidentiality will be maintained throughout the reporting process.

3. Inclusivity and Diversity:
a. The Footlights Group celebrates and embraces diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to gender identity, cultural beliefs, religion, socio-economic background, and neurodiversity.
b. We strive to create an environment where all members feel valued, respected, and included, regardless of their differences.
c. Any form of discrimination or exclusion based on gender identity, cultural beliefs, religion, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic background, or neurodiversity is strictly prohibited within The Footlights Group.
d. We encourage all members to actively participate in promoting inclusivity and diversity, fostering an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding.

4. Compliance and Enforcement:
a. All members of The Footlights Group are expected to comply with this policy and actively contribute to maintaining an inclusive and respectful environment.
b. The designated authority within The Footlights Group will be responsible for enforcing this policy, investigating reported incidents, and taking appropriate disciplinary action when necessary.
c. The Footlights Group will provide resources, training, and support to members to ensure they understand and adhere to this policy.

By adhering to this policy, The Footlights Group aims to create a safe, inclusive, and diverse community where all members can thrive creatively and personally.

Date of Policy Approval: 18/12/2023

Next Policy Review Date: 18/12/2024