Behavior and Interaction Policy for Students


1. Purpose. Down For Dance (DFD) is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for all participants, volunteers, staff, and other members of the DFD community. This policy outlines clear expectations for student behavior and interactions with other students, volunteers, staff, and other members of the community. Staff and volunteer behavior and interactions are governed by a separate policy.

2. Core Standards of Behavior. Expectations are:

  • Treat others with kindness, respect, and dignity.

  • Maintain appropriate physical and verbal boundaries.

  • Follow instructions from instructors and staff.

  • Communicate in a respectful manner.

  • Refrain from aggressive, threatening, or disruptive behavior.

3. Students of All Abilities. We understand that students with disabilities may display behaviors related to their disability. Our instructors and staff are trained to approach all behavior with empathy, patience, and clarity. We are committed to making reasonable accommodations to support every student's participation.  And, we require that parents or guardians provide individual support or supervision for any student who requires it to ensure safe participation in the program. For the safety of all participants, repeated unsafe or disruptive behavior may lead to removal from the program.

4. Zero Tolerance Behaviors. Any individual engaging in behaviors, including but not limited to those listed below, will be immediately removed from the program.

  • Sexual misconduct of any kind (including but not limited to sexual comments, gestures, or contact). Sexual misconduct is governed by the Sexual Misconduct Policy.

  • Physical violence or threats of violence.

  • Possession or use of illegal drugs, or weapons.

  • Harassment, discrimination, bullying, or intimidation (including cyberbullying). Harassment and discrimination are governed by the Anit-Harassment and Anti-Discrimination policy.

  • Discrimination or hate speech based on race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or any protected status.

These behaviors violate the values and safety standards of Down For Dance and will not be tolerated under any circumstances. All zero tolerance incidents will be clearly documented.

5. Progressive Behavior Violations. For behaviors that do not rise to the level of zero tolerance but still disrupt the safety or integrity of the program, DFD may use the following approaches: 

  • Verbal Warning: Communicate with the student a clear explanation of the issue, the corrective behavior needed, and reminder of the Behavior and Interaction Policy.

  • Written/Verbal Warning Involving the Parent/Guardian: Communicate the issue with a parent/guardian. A parent or guardian may be required to attend class with the student until it is demonstrated that the behavior has stopped or significantly improved.

  • Removal from Program: Temporarily or permanently remove the student from DFD programming, depending on severity.

Examples of progressive violations include, but are not limited to:

  • Inappropriate touching (non-sexual but boundary-crossing)

  • Repeated use of inappropriate language

  • Ignoring instructions from DFD staff and/or volunteers

  • Continued disruption of class and/or disrespecting others

  • Minor physical contact (e.g., pushing, grabbing, tickling)

Staff and volunteers are trained to intervene supportively and clearly document incidents on a case-by-case basis.

6. Removal From the Program. Before removing any student from the program, parents / guardians of the student would have the opportunity to speak with DFD directors. Our goal is to keep students enrolled in our program. Removal is always a last resort.

7. Reporting and Accountability. If an employee, volunteer, student, or contractor experiences or witnesses harassment by someone involved with the DFD program, they are required to report the incident as soon as possible.  Reports must be made to a DFD Director, who will promptly investigate and address the matter.

Down For Dance takes all reports seriously, and retaliation against any individual who makes a good faith report will not be tolerated.