Connecticut Swing Dance Society (CSDS) aka Hartford Underground (HU) is an inclusive community dedicated to providing a safe and comfortable environment for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, ability, physical appearance, body size, race, and/or religion (or lack thereof).

Harassment

Harassment consists of

• offensive verbal comments, including those related to the above;
• sexual images in public spaces;
• deliberate intimidation;
• stalking;
• following;
• unwanted photography or recording;
• sustained disruption of workshops or other events;
• inappropriate physical contact;
• unwelcome sexual attention; or
• advocating for or encouraging any unacceptable behavior.

Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated at any event venue, including: dances, workshops, competitions, Twitter, Facebook, and other online media.

Providing alcohol to minors will also not be tolerated.

Dance Floor Etiquette

We love the laidback attitude and the freedom that CSDS (aka HU) affords our community. Please be respectful of dance facilities and policies.

• Practice good floorcraft and classroom etiquette.
• Do not do aerials.
• Do not offer unsolicited advice to fellow dancers either in class or on the social dance floor out of respect for their learning environment.

Any behaviors, speech, or actions that make our community members feel uncomfortable, threatened, or harassed will not be tolerated.

We expect participants to follow these rules at all times during events. Anyone (participants, staff, organizers) asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. We reserve the right to take any action we deem necessary to deal with harassment. This includes, but is not limited to: verbal warnings, asking people to leave the event immediately without refund, banning individual(s) from all future CSDS (aka HU) events, and contacting law enforcement officials.

Reporting Harassment

If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a CSDS (aka HU) board member, organizer, or one of our volunteers immediately. Your well-being and privacy are of utmost importance to us.

How to Report an Issue

Contact CSDS (aka HU) to file an incident report.

• Go to the front desk and ask to speak in private with an organizer
• Ask any organizer or volunteer for help
• E-mail info@hartfordunderground.com

Important information that is helpful to include in your report:

• Identifying information (name) of the participant doing the harassing
• The behavior that was in violation
• The approximate time of the behavior (if different than the time the report was made)
• The circumstances surrounding the incident
• Other people involved in the incident

Our Response

We take any and all reports, no matter the size or severity, very seriously and with complete confidentiality. The staff is well-informed on how to deal with incidents and how to further proceed with the situation.

• Upon receipt of a complaint, a staff member or volunteer will direct the reporter to a designated staff member.
• An incident report will be created and stored in a secure location.
• Staff will communicate with the alleged harasser to determine both sides of the story within a week.  Confidentiality of all parties will be respected.
• If necessary, i.e. the designated person is unable or does not think it is appropriate to make a decision on their own, a small group of staff will convene to discuss consequences and actions to be taken.
• Sanctions will be proportional to the degree of severity and impact of the problem.
• We will communicate our response to all parties involved separately.

Potential Consequences

Depending on each individual situation, the following are possible responses that staff will take:

• Warn the harasser to cease their behavior and that any further reports will result in sanctions
• Require that the harasser avoid any interaction with, and physical proximity to, their victim for the remainder of the event
• End a class early that violates the policy
• Discontinue further classes with an instructor who violated the policy
• Terminate any event volunteer responsibilities and privileges the harasser holds
• Require the harasser to leave the event immediately and not return without refund
• Ban the harasser from future events (either indefinitely or for a certain time period)

This list is not exclusive and each issue will be dealt with on an independent basis.  Our goal is to assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe within our community.

We value your participation in our community.