Policies and Procedures

1. Policy Statement

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Jackson Theatre Guild (JTG) is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants, including children, teens, adults, staff, and volunteers. Harassment of any kind is strictly prohibited and will be taken seriously.

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All reports of harassment or misconduct must be submitted digitally via email to reporting@jtgonline.com to ensure proper documentation and review.

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JTG complies with federal and Tennessee state laws regarding harassment, discrimination, and mandated reporting of suspected minor abuse.

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2. Definition of Harassment

 

Harassment is any unwanted behavior that makes someone feel uncomfortable, unsafe, or disrespected. This includes:

• Verbal Harassment – Offensive jokes, slurs, threats, insults, or inappropriate comments.

• Physical Harassment – Unwanted touching, pushing, intimidation, or blocking someone’s movement.

• Online Harassment – Cyberbullying, inappropriate messages, or threats through social media, email, or text.

 

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment includes:

• Unwanted sexual comments, jokes, or gestures

• Inappropriate touching, advances, or suggestive behavior

• Requests for sexual favors or pressure for romantic/sexual involvement

• Sharing or displaying explicit images, messages, or videos

 

Harassment may involve peers, supervisors, staff, volunteers, or program participants.

 

3. How to Report Harassment

 

All harassment concerns must be submitted digitally via email for documentation and proper handling.

• Reports must be submitted via email to reporting@jtgonline.com.

• Employees and volunteers are required to report any harassment they personally experience or witness, even if they are not directly involved.

• Parents or guardians may submit reports on behalf of a minor.

Emergency Situations: If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

 

4. Investigation, Temporary Actions, and Response (Adults Only)

 

This section applies to reports of harassment involving adult participants, employees, or volunteers.

 

Confidentiality & Fair Process

1. Reports will be kept private and shared only with those necessary for the investigation.

2. Both the reporting party and the accused will be given an opportunity to share their account of events.

3. Witness statements, supporting documentation, and other relevant information will be reviewed.

 

Temporary Actions During Investigation

• The accused will be removed from JTG programs and activities while the investigation is conducted.

• The reporting party will not be removed unless:

• They request to step away voluntarily.

• Their continued participation presents a direct safety concern for themselves or others.

• If there is mutual conflict, or if additional concerns arise, JTG may implement further temporary measures to maintain a safe and neutral environment.

 

Outcome & Disciplinary Actions

If an investigation confirms harassment, all disciplinary actions must be documented in writing and may include:

• Written warnings

• Suspension or removal from programs

• Termination of employment or volunteer status

• Permanent banning from JTG events and premises

 

Protection Against False Accusations

• Knowingly false reports will not be tolerated. If an investigation determines that a report was deliberately false, disciplinary action may be taken against the accuser.

• This does not discourage reports but ensures that complaints are made in good faith.

 

Retaliation is strictly prohibited. If someone tries to intimidate, threaten, or retaliate against a person for filing a report, they will face disciplinary action.

 

5. Handling Reports Involving Minors (Police & CPS Investigations)

This section applies only to reports involving minors (children and teens under 18).

• JTG does not conduct investigations when minors are involved.

• All reports involving a minor are immediately turned over to law enforcement or child protective services.

• The accused is removed from JTG programs while the investigation is ongoing.

• JTG will not allow the accused to return to programming until a final determination is made by the investigating authorities.

 

Notification to Parents/Guardians

• JTG will notify the parent/guardian of a minor if a report has been made involving their child, unless law enforcement or child services instructs otherwise.

• If the alleged perpetrator is the child’s parent/guardian, JTG will follow law enforcement and CPS guidance regarding notification.

• If a report is made by a third party, JTG will still notify the minor’s legal guardian, unless prohibited by CPS or law enforcement.

 

Determining When a Minor or Accused Individual Can Return

 

1. The final decision will be based on the findings of law enforcement or CPS.

• If CPS or law enforcement clears the accused of wrongdoing, JTG leadership will evaluate their return on a case-by-case basis.

• If law enforcement finds evidence of misconduct, the accused will be permanently banned from JTG programs.

 

2. For minors, JTG will follow CPS or law enforcement recommendations.

• If authorities determine that the minor is safe to return, they may resume participation.

• If CPS recommends further action, JTG will comply fully.

 

JTG will not override or dispute CPS or law enforcement decisions regarding re-entry into programming.

 

6. How People Know About This Policy

1. Inclusion in Handbooks & Contracts

✔ For Staff, Volunteers, and Participants:

• The policy will be included in employee, volunteer, and participant handbooks.

• All individuals must sign an acknowledgment form stating they understand and agree to comply with the policy.

✔ For Parents & Guardians:

• The policy will be included in program registration materials, with a required acknowledgment from parents.

 

2. Website & Digital Access

✔ Public Posting on JTG’s Website:

• A dedicated webpage with the full policy, including reporting procedures and contact information.

✔ Online Reporting System:

• The email for reporting (reporting@jtgonline.com) will be clearly displayed.

 

3. Physical Postings in JTG Facilities

✔ Policy Summaries & Reporting Info Will Be Posted in Key Locations:

• Rehearsal rooms

• Dressing rooms

• Tech and backstage areas

✔ Easy-to-Read Signs Will Display Reporting Info:

 

Example:

“JTG is committed to a safe and respectful environment. If you experience harassment, report it at reporting@jtgonline.com. Reports involving minors will be immediately forwarded to authorities.”

Final Checklist: How People Know About the Policy

✅ Included in staff, volunteer, and participant handbooks

✅ Posted publicly on the JTG website

✅ Displayed in JTG facilities (dressing rooms, rehearsal spaces, tech areas)

✅ Covered in staff and volunteer training