Code of Conduct

Our code of conduct is rooted in our core values and applies to all members of the Cleveland Thyagaraja Festival community (leaders, volunteers, contractors, artists, participants and the audience) at all Festival events.

  1. Show respect for others and conduct yourself professionally — respect the rights of all. Harassment, fighting, bullying, intimidation, bigoted or inappropriate language or any other form of verbal, emotional, physical or sexual abuse or unwanted contact is unacceptable
    • Unwanted contact is not limited to physical or verbal contact, but includes electronic and written communication. In general if someone asks you to stop doing something, then stop
  2. Prioritize the safety of minors — if you are interacting with a minor of any gender, gender identity or expression, you must have the child’s parent/guardian or another adult present at the time and place of the interaction
  3. Parents and guardians of minor children should accompany their children at all times, and not leave them unattended for any period of time whatsoever. You are responsible for the safety and well-being of your child while they are at the festival
  4. Conduct yourself with the highest level of integrity — act honestly, truthfully and with integrity in all your dealings with the Festival community. Pay particular attention to your conduct in competitive events ensuring that there is no bias or exchange of favors
  5. Hold yourself accountable — You are responsible for your words, actions and behavior at the Festival

Anti-harassment Policy

The Aradhana Committee has adopted a strict policy where no form of harassment or other violation of our code of conduct by or towards any member of our festival community will be tolerated. The Aradhana Committee is committed to enforcing its policy at all levels.

Enforcement

Anyone asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. The organizers retain the right to take any actions to keep the event a welcoming environment for all participants. This includes warning the offender or expulsion from the Festival, with no refund where applicable.

Festival organizers may take action to redress anything designed to, or with the clear impact of, disrupting the event or making the environment hostile for any participants.

We expect everyone attending the Festival to follow these rules at all event venues and related activities.

When a person who has had or continues to have a relationship/affiliation with The Aradhana Committee or the Cleveland Thyagaraja Festival has been accused of harassment or misconduct in an incident(s) not involving our organization, we recognize that we might not have standing to address the matter.

However, The Aradhana Committee may determine whether there should be a continued relationship with that individual. To make that determination, we will evaluate validated information made available to us and consider appropriate action.

Reporting

If someone makes you or anyone else feel unsafe or unwelcome, please report it as soon as possible. Harassment and other code of conduct violations reduce the value of our event for everyone. We want you to be happy at our event. People like you make our event a better place.

Personal Report

  • Email the Aradhana Committee at conduct@aradhana.org, call or message us at +1‑440‑941‑4103 or alert an organizer at the Festival to make a personal report
  • First-hand information provided during your call/meeting will be used to document the complaint
  • All information received will be handled sensitively and compassionately. There will be no repercussions or reprisals against those who come forward
  • Based on the first-hand information provided, the committee may choose to refer the matter to law enforcement

Anonymous Report

  • Anonymous complaints can be emailed to us at conduct@aradhana.org; however, our ability to obtain additional information may be compromised and the ability to investigate or resolve anonymous complaints may be limited

Filing a False Complaint

It is a violation of this policy to make a knowingly false and malicious complaint. In the event the investigation of a complaint demonstrates that the complaint was filed with knowingly false or malicious charges, the Aradhana Committee will refer the matter to legal counsel and law enforcement as appropriate.