Students’ Stage Value Statement

Students’ Stage does not discriminate against any person on the basis of age, disability, gender, gender identity, nationality, race or ethnicity, citizenship status, religion, or sexual orientation. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we strive to create spaces where students are safe and supported. Student behavior that threatens the safety and security of the club and its members, as outlined below and in accordance with the RSO Code of Conduct, will not be tolerated.

The following conduct is unacceptable by Students’ Stage in agreement with the University policy. Student’s Stage Board members will report offensive behavior to the faculty advisor, in an effort to create a safe space for all of our members.

Drug and alcohol abuse: Drugs and alcohol are not permitted at Students’ Stage events. Persons attending club events under obvious influence of drugs or alcohol may be asked to leave, and the incident may be reported to the faculty advisor. This behavior poses a danger to the offending individual, as well as other club members. This being said, we are a theatre club, and there are instances in which props such as wine bottles, beer cans, or fake drug-related items may be relevant. In these situations, the specific circumstances should be run by the Board and/or faculty advisor, but have historically been allowed. No real alcohol or drug consumption is allowed on stage or at events. 

Weapons: Possession and use of weapons including guns, knives, explosives, fireworks, and dangerous chemicals is forbidden at all Club events. This being said, we are a theatre club, and there are instances where props such as fake knives, fake swords, and fake guns may be appropriate. In these situations, the specific circumstances and items involved should be run by the Board and/or faculty advisor. 

Discrimination: We will not tolerate acts of discrimination that go against Students’ Stage’s stated policy on diversity and inclusion, which include but are not limited to: discriminatory language, acts of violence, emotional abuse, and disallowing participation based on age, disability, gender, gender identity, nationality, race or ethnicity, citizenship, religion, or sexual orientation.

 Theft and property damage: The theft and/or damage of university property or resources, as well as the theft or damage of personal property while participating in a Students’ Stage event is not allowed and will not be tolerated. We are privileged to use Theatre Department furniture, spaces, and resources at many of our events. Damaging our property is damaging Department property. 

 Sexual Misconduct: Sexual misconduct (including sexual harassment as well as any sexual activity without affirmative consent, including but not limited to sexual assault, sexual battery, rape, stalking, dating/domestic violence) is a form of discrimination prohibited by university policy and state and federal laws, including Title IX. If any form of sexual misconduct occurs at a Students’ Stage event, the offending individual will be asked to leave immediately. Students’ Stage Board members have adopted a Responsible Bystander Policy, which means that we have a responsibility to the club and its members to be an active bystander in all club-related situations, as well as a responsibility to report incidents of sexual misconduct within the club to our faculty advisor. Here is a link to Cal Poly Safer information on what it means to be an Active Bystander.

Under state and federal law, university employees, including the Faculty Advisor, are mandated reporters. Instances of sexual misconduct brought to the Faculty Advisor will be reported through the prescribed channels with Title IX and/or the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If a survivor of sexual misconduct reports their assault to us, we believe them. As a Responsible Bystander, Students’ Stage Board members will encourage all students to report instances of sexual misconduct to the University’s Title IX Coordinator or to a trusted faculty member.

Here is some information from Cal Poly’s Civil Rights and Compliance Office about Title IX offenses and our obligation as students to continually treat all of our peers with respect. 

Above all, as an artistic environment, we hold safety as a high priority for our events and will move forward with that in mind.

Acknowledgement of Accountability 

In reading this outline of our values before attending Students’ Stage events, participants agree that they will abide by our standard of behavior and help us continue to create a safe and welcoming space for our community.