Code of Conduct at Middle Path Movement
Middle Path Movement was born with the intention of finding balance between Eastern and Western philosophies, lifestyles, practices and cultures. At Middle Path Movement we strive to find balance through appreciation and comprehension of multiple perspectives. We try to eliminate extremes, by accepting and understanding The Middle Path which means that everyone from every race, culture, age, gender and class is accepted and understood – every perspective counts. That is why our code of conduct is so important to ensure that everyone is treated equally. Balance is our ally.
We are deeply committed to holding high ethical standards for our community to ensure that all members of the community are understanding of The Middle Path philosophy and treat all members with equal rights. We believe that it is the responsibility of our teachers to ensure a safe nurturing environment in which our students can grow physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually; and likewise, we feel our students must respect each other and our staff and teachers mutually. Our Code of Conduct is here to ensure a space of guidance, authenticity, experience and safe encouragement, but most importantly peace, compassion and understanding for all.
Teachers will be honest, straightforward, fair, and conscientious in conducting all of their business affairs.
Students will be honest, open, compassionate and kind to each other, and to their teachers.
Employees, assistants, students, colleagues, and teachers will treat each other fairly, transparently and honestly.
Teachers shall treat their students with fairness and respect in regard to their individuality, dignity, and privacy and vice versa.
All members of the community (that is teachers/students/staff) will ensure a safe, clean environment is kept. At the end of each class, students must ensure their mat is clean and put away and their books/bottles/pens etc are tidy and put away.
Phones are not allowed during classes.
Classrooms are a safe space for discussion and personal information must not be repeated outside of the class to maintain trust and encouragement for students/teachers/peers. Classroom spaces are quiet and noise around the studio must be kept to a minimum
The shala/studio is a sacred space. Please treat it that way.
When a student/teacher is talking, peers/students must listen with respect and encouragement.
Middle Path Movement is open-minded and respects all lifestyle choices however alcohol and other substances are not allowed in the studio or on the course premises for the duration of the course. Smoking is permitted only in the designated areas but a minimum is encouraged.
Injury and insurance
A teacher training course with Middle Path Movement has a considerable amount of physical activity and so we advise all of our students to take out travel insurance for trainings abroad and/or accident insurance for covering their class attendance during their training. Students will take part in physical activities at their own discretion and understand and agree that any injury/illness that happens during the training is the students own full responsibility. The school takes no responsibility for injury, illness or loss during the training or in the days before/after the training.
Health and Well-Being
We are a yoga school and ask students to be aware that our staff are not doctors, therapists or health care professionals. We ask that students ensure that they are physically and mentally able to conduct the training safely for themselves and others.
Anti-Harassment policy
Middle Path Movement is committed to providing a work environment free of sexual harassment or any other form of unlawful discrimination. Middle Path Movement has a no-tolerance policy, and is committed to maintaining a respectful, courteous work environment in all work-related settings that respects the dignity and worth of every student, employee and guest.
Inappropriate workplace or classroom behaviour and unlawful harassment are wholly inconsistent with this commitment. No employee, contract worker, customer, student or other person who does business with Middle Path Movement is exempt from this policy. Harassment or discrimination based on race, colour, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding) gender (including gender identity and gender expression), religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), religious creed, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, military and veteran status, genetic information, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), sexual orientation, or any other protected class, characteristic, or consideration made unlawful under applicable federal, state, or local laws, is illegal and prohibited by Middle Path Movement’s policy. Such conduct by or toward any employee, contract worker, customer, student, vendor or anyone else who does business with Middle Path Movement will not be tolerated.
Prohibited Conduct
Sexual or other unlawful harassment or discrimination includes any verbal, physical, or visual conduct based on sex, race, age, national origin, disability or any other legally protected basis if: submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment or engagement; submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for decisions concerning that individual’s employment or engagement; or it creates a hostile or offensive work environment.
Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, and vulgar, or obscene remarks, jokes, posters, or cartoons, and any unwelcome touching, pinching, or other physical contact. Other forms of unlawful harassment or discrimination may include racial epithets, slurs, and derogatory remarks, stereotypes, jokes, posters, or cartoons based on race, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or other legally protected categories. Prohibited harassment also includes the transmission of materials such as cartoons, jokes, or links to offensive materials online using Middle Path Movement’s electronic communications system, or through other online conduct. Treating any individual differently or unfairly because of the characteristics listed above is also prohibited. Unlawful discrimination includes conduct that is based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics, or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics.
All Middle Path Movement students, employees, and representatives are prohibited from engaging in unlawful discrimination. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, volunteering, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.
Complaint Procedure
Any students, guests, employees, or teachers who feel that they have been harassed or discriminated against, or who has witnessed any harassment or discrimination by an employee, contract worker, customer, vendor, or anyone else who does business with Middle Path Movement, should immediately do the following:
If you feel comfortable enough to do so, tell the person engaging in the harassing and/or discriminating behaviour that his or her actions are not welcome and they must stop. Report the incident verbally or in writing to your supervisor/manager/Teacher, and/or another supervisor with whom you feel comfortable. If the incident is committed by your supervisor/manager, report the incident verbally or in writing to another supervisor with whom you feel comfortable or a member of management. Report any additional incidents or retaliation that occur to your supervisor/manager, and/or another supervisor with whom you feel comfortable or Human Resources.
Any manager/supervisor/teacher who observes, or receives a report of, any form of unlawful harassment, discrimination, or retaliation for conduct protected by this policy, must promptly report the conduct to a member of management so that an investigation can be conducted and, if appropriate, remedial action can be taken. Any reported incident will be investigated by qualified personnel in a fair, impartial, timely, and thorough manner that provides all relevant parties with the opportunity to be heard and to present any information he or she thinks is relevant or important for consideration, and that allows Middle Path Movement to reach reasonable conclusions based on the information collected. In responding to and taking action to address a complaint, Middle Path Movement will be as discrete as reasonably possible under the circumstances and will maintain confidentiality of the matter to the extent reasonably possible, subject to its obligation to conduct a full and fair investigation. Appropriate action will be taken by Middle Path Movement to stop and remedy any and all such conduct, including interim measures during a period of investigation. The investigation will be completed in a timely manner, after which Middle Path Movement will inform the complaining party of the conclusions reached concerning the complaint
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace:
Middle Path Movement does not tolerate sexual harassment. Sexual harassment refers to any unwelcome sexual attention, sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, and other verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
(a) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment;
(b) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such individual;
(c) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance; or
(d) such conduct has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment.
Examples of sexual harassment include unwanted and unnecessary physical contact; offensive remarks (including unwelcome comments about appearance); obscene jokes or other inappropriate use of sexually offensive language; the display in the studio of sexually suggestive objects or pictures; and unwelcome sexual advances by teachers, students, customers, clients, or other visitors to a studio/event/training/course. Non-physical gesture, behaviour, unnecessary physical contact, verbal suggestion, or innuendo may constitute sexual harassment.
Sexual Misconduct:
We prohibit sexual misconduct in all forms in all of our yoga classes, workshops, events and trainings. Sexual misconduct is any unsolicited and unwelcome sexual advance including requests for sexual favours, sexual touching, and verbal, visual, or physical conduct that creates a sexually hostile environment in a yoga class or studio, in person or online.
Teachers and students may not use sexually suggestive language (including sexual jokes and degrading comments), gestures, movements, or images in their classes or their studios. Teachers and students should not make comments on their students’ appearance that could be perceived as sexually oriented or suggesting an attraction. Body type and image ideation is also prohibited. If a student tells a teacher, a student tells a student, or a teacher tells a student that any behaviour is unwelcome and the offender repeats the behaviour, it may be considered harassment.
Romantic Relationships Between Teachers and Students:
Teachers shall not exploit the trust and dependency of students. Teachers shall not invite, initiate or engage in, respond to or allow any sexual conduct, sexual activities, or sexualizing behaviour involving a student even if a relationship of this kind is attempted by a student.
Anti-retaliation policy
To create and maintain an emotionally healthy community, we take retaliation in all forms very seriously. It is a direct violation of the safe space we work to provide and is counter-productive in resolving any problems that are being addressed or investigated. While harassment as listed and otherwise defined is also not tolerated, we know misunderstandings can sometimes happen. Our goal is to work to resolve any issue in the best interest and favour of the parties involved
We maintain a zero-tolerance regarding retaliation against anyone for reporting a violation of our Code of Conduct or other Policies, or for participating in an investigation relating to an alleged violation. Actions will be taken immediately in consideration of and appropriate to the offence.
We also do not tolerate victim blaming or shaming. It is seen as a form of retaliation.
Retaliation is a form of harassment and will be handled as such by the appropriate managing body.
We encourage any person, employees, non-employees, and students — who believe they have been subject to retaliation to inform the Lead Teacher or Studio Director as appropriate. See Grievances for reporting guidelines.
This policy applies to all students, employees, teachers, and others when they are representing or acting for, or on behalf of, Middle Path Movement. Middle Path Movement is committed to maintaining a work environment that is free of harassment, intimidation, discrimination and retaliation for engaging in protected activity such as reporting violations or participating in an investigation pertaining to alleged violations of laws, policies, or procedures. Crucial to these objectives is promoting an atmosphere where employees and others feel safe to engage in honest communication – raising questions or concerns at any time without fear of retaliation. Middle Path Movement strictly prohibits any form of retaliatory action against any students/employees/workers who raise issues or ask questions, make reports, participate in an investigation, refuse to participate in suspected improper or wrongful activity, or exercise workplace rights protected by law (in each case “Protected Activity”). Situations or behaviours that could lead to a student/employee/volunteer engaging in a Protected Activity include, but are not limited to the following: Discrimination or harassment, fraud, unethical or unprofessional business conduct, non-compliance with Middle Path Movement policies/procedures, real or potential threats to Middle Path Movement employees, volunteers or the public’s health and/or safety, violations of local, state or federal laws and regulations, other illegal or improper practices or policies
Any Middle Path Movement student/employee/volunteer who engages in Protected Activity will be shielded from retaliation. Retaliation occurs when an employer takes an Adverse Action against an employee because she/he engaged in a Protected Activity. Adverse Action includes, but is not limited to: demotion, suspension, termination of employment or cancellation of purchased package, failing to hire or consider for hire or promotion; Failing to give equal consideration in making employment decisions or to make impartial employment recommendations; adversely impacting working/learning conditions or otherwise denying any employment benefit to an employee; or agreement to student/volunteer. Creating a hostile or intimidating work environment. Middle Path Movement prohibits retaliation even if the concerns raised are not confirmed following an investigation. However, a student/employee/volunteer may be subject to Adverse Action if the employee knowingly made a false allegation, provided false or misleading information in the course of an investigation, or otherwise acted in bad faith. This anti-retaliation policy does not exempt employees from the consequences of their own misconduct or inadequate performance, and self-reporting such issues is not Protected Activity. The policy also does not prevent Middle Path Movement from managing employee performance and addressing conduct issues after a student/employee/volunteer has engaged in Protected Activity, so long as Protected Activity is not the reason for the performance management
Obligation to Raise Concerns
Middle Path Movement depends on its students/employees/volunteers to raise questions or concerns so that the school can take appropriate action. All persons are required to report any suspicion of improper or wrongful activity. Reports of suspected improper or wrongful activity will be treated confidentially, and any involved person(s) have the choice to report concerns anonymously. If submitting a concern anonymously, it is important to provide sufficiently detailed information regarding the subject matter of the concern and identify potential witnesses to enable the school to effectively address the concern. Any person(s) who believe they have either witnessed retaliation or been personally retaliated against or that any other violation of this policy has occurred, or who have questions concerning this policy, must immediately notify management or owner directly. Students/employees/volunteers may also, where appropriate, contact appropriate governmental authorities. Middle Path Movement takes all claims of retaliation very seriously and reports will be reviewed promptly and investigated where appropriate.
Consequences for Policy Violation
Any Middle Path Movement student/employee/volunteer who retaliates against another person(s) engaged in a Protected Activity or who otherwise violates this policy is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or cancellation of any purchased package without refund.
Grievance Policy
We strive to create and maintain a safe and nurturing environment for all members of The Middle Path Movement School. We have rules and guidelines in place to cultivate a safe environment not just for learning about the practice of yoga, but also living it in real time. We are here to listen and help should you experience any violation of these standards. Your experience and your voice matters.
Reporting of Policy Violations:
We maintain an open-door policy and encourage anyone who has been the subject of sexual misconduct or any other action that violates our Code of Conduct and Policies to report the incident to either the Lead Teacher or Manager as considered appropriate.
All reports must be made in a timely manner (no more than 30 days after an incident) and in good faith based on information the person reporting the incident reasonably believes to be accurate.
Anyone requiring, may make a report in person or via phone call [verbal], email or written letter. All reports are handled confidentially and managed on a case-by-case basis appropriate to the type of violation as outlined by our Code of Conduct and Policies. Depending on the gravity and sensitivity of the report, a verbal report may be requested to be put in writing for purposes of documentation and further investigation of the report.
All reports should contain the following. We may request additional information if necessary.
- Your full name, preferred method of contact and alternate (if written)
- Name of the person who the grievance is against
- A description of the alleged Code of Conduct or Policy violation
- The date and location of the incident(s)
- Names and contact information of any witnesses with first-hand knowledge of the situation if applicable
- Any other credible evidence that is available to support the grievance
- Communication of proposed solution
In the interest of fairness and privacy, all reports must be made by the person who has personally experienced the misconduct. Third-party reports will only be investigated if failure to investigate may result in further harm to the parties named. For example, if someone’s life may be in danger. In such an instance we will reach out to the named and check-in before making any determinations.
We will take appropriate action as warranted to ensure compliance with our policies. All actions are conducted in good faith with the goal of fairness and resolution for all involved.
Every report is given due consideration and any actions that may be taken in response to a report will also be confidential.
Retaliation aimed toward someone making, submitting information to, or handling a report is not allowed.
Attendance policy
Middle Path Movement requires a 100% attendance to graduate and receive a certificate of completion from our full time program. To ensure accountability, class attendance will be taken throughout the training, including break times.
While we do expect every student to attend every class, we do also understand life happens. In the unfortunate event of an emergency absence, please notify the Lead Teacher or program director (whichever is appropriate) immediately. Each incident will be handled on a case-by-case basis to the favour of aiding a student in achieving course completion and certification. If it is no longer possible, students will be made aware of their options to re-enrol and complete their training in another session and any named costs will be discussed as per case.
If a student has planned absences that conflict with attendance in the program, please contact the Lead Teacher and/or program director as appropriate.
Following an absence of any variety, each student is responsible for coordinating with the Lead Teacher and scheduling the appropriate make-up time. Private make-up sessions incur an additional charge of £160 per session with the school director or lead trainer. Please contact the school director to arrange.
Each student is expected to be at each session 5 – 10 minutes before the start time in order to set up and so that the training may start on time. Late arrival to class is unacceptable and will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Excessive late shows may result in loss of contact hours leading to incompletion of the program and refusal of certification
A leave of absence from the program will be granted due to medical disability or other extraordinary circumstances at the discretion of the Designated Lead Teacher or program director and transferable Middle Path Movement vouchers can be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
Tuition and Refund Policy
Upon acceptance into the course, the applicant must pay a non-refundable deposit of 30% of the course fees to hold their place.
The remaining balance is due 30 days before arrival on the course.
In the event that Middle Path Movement cancels a class, workshop, event, or training, affected students will be offered a transferable credit. All credits will be issued in a timely manner.
The form of compensation (refund or credit) will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Refunds will be considered only in exceptional circumstances, such as close family bereavement or serious illness.
No refunds or credits are given for any reason related to expulsion from any program for misconduct as defined by the Middle Path Movement policies.
Any questions about our Tuition and Refund Policies not answered here may be made in writing to the director of Middle Path Movement. All inquiries will be handled in a timely and respectful manner.