Zero-Tolerance of Bullying Policy

The Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana Queens Pageant (MGSWLA) is dedicated to creating a safe, respectful, and empowering environment for all contestants. This contract outlines the pageant's zero tolerance policy toward bullying in all forms.

Bullying or harassment of any kind (defined in section 2)—by contestants or their family members, friends, or representatives (these are defined as associated representatives)—will not be tolerated before, during, or after the pageant (anytime in between the annual pageants), including all in-person, online, and social media interactions. The bullying or harassment against will include but not limited to other contestants, their family members, friends, or representatives (associated representatives); pageant director and/or co-director; Mardi Gras SWLA Organization; Mardi Gras SWLA Executive Board, Board Members; Volunteers; Vendors.

Bullying includes but is not limited to:

• Verbal insults, gossip, rumors, slurs, mockery, or name-calling
• Threats, intimidation, or emotional manipulation
• Spreading rumors, gossip, insinuations, or intentionally excluding others
• Harassment based on appearance, race, religion, gender, sexuality, ability, or any personal characteristics
• Cyberbullying via text, social media, or digital platforms
• Physical aggression, tampering with personal property, or sabotage
• Any form of harassment or intimidation by contestants, parents, guardians, relatives, representatives (coach, hair stylist, make-up artist, etc) or friends of a contestant

All contestants must:

• Treat all participants, staff, judges, and volunteers with kindness and respect
• Refrain from participating in or encouraging bullying behavior
• Ensure that their family members, guardians, or friends also uphold respectful conduct
• Report any observed or experienced bullying to a pageant official immediatel

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Zero-Tolerance of Bullying Policy

Before or During the Pageant:

• Any bullying—whether committed by the contestant or their associated individuals—will result in immediate disqualification, removal from the competition, and forfeiture of all fees.

After the Pageant/Calendar Time in Between Annual Pageants:

• Any form of bullying—whether committed by the contestant or their associated individuals—will result in immediate disqualification for upcoming annual pageant(s).

If Crowned Queen or Titleholder:

• Any instance of bullying or harassment by the titleholder or their associated individuals—at any time after the pageant—will result in immediate relinquishment of:

• The title and crown
• All prizes, trophies, sashes, and gifts
• All future appearances or opportunities related to the pageant
• Eligibility for future participation in Mardi Gras of SWLA Queens Pageant

Decisions will be made at the sole discretion of the Pageant Director or Executive Committee and are final. The severity of consequences will be determined upon the action that goes against the Zero-Tolerance Agreement. The listed above is a base standard of consequence(s) that will be taken.

I, the undersigned, understand and agree to follow all rules and expectations in this Zero Tolerance Bullying Contract. I acknowledge that any violation, by myself or my family/friends, representatives, may result in disqualification of pageant/future pageants or loss of title, and I accept the consequences outlined above.