American Yoga Council Code of Conduct

v1.0, last updated 18 September 2025

Preamble

A Code of Conduct is a difficult document to write. In theory, it sets out your responsibilities as members in good standing, and what we, as a community, expect of each other.

In practice, it’s easy for a Code of Conduct to be so generic it is of little use, and for there to be next-to-no consequences for violating it. So we’re taking a different approach, with a few specific aims in mind:

  • We want the Code of Conduct to be more adaptable to your own ethics as a teacher or school in good standing.
  • We want the public to easily be able to see a School's code in order to hold them accountable to it.
  • We want our Code of Conduct to reflect our values as an organization.
  • And we want this Code of Conduct to be a key tool in holding ourselves to account as a community.

We expect this document to evolve, with your help, and we’re excited to figure out together what real accountability might look like in yoga teaching.

The American Yoga Council Code of Conduct

1. Follow the Law

This sounds obvious, but it's also the most enforceable clause to have in a Code of Conduct. We expect AYC members to teach in accordance with all appropriate legislation in your jurisdiction when teaching yoga. We’re not going to police your practice, but if your behaviour towards your students and colleagues violates civil or criminal law, we will recommend and support legal action. Unethical behaviour of a legal nature could result in expulsion from AYC.

  • I will teach in accordance with all appropriate legislation in my jurisdiction.

2. Uphold AYC Core Values

Secondly, to be a member in good standing, we expect you to teach in accordance with the following values, which reflect the core values of AYC as an organization.

  • Following the core value of Generosity, I will share my teachings in the spirit of collaboration rather than competition, and conduct my financial dealings fairly with others.
  • Following the core value of Transparency, I will represent my yoga education, background, and the content of my teaching honestly and accurately.
  • Following the core value of Right Livelihood, I will teach to the scope of practice of my training and experience.
  • Following the core value of Embodied Relationships, I will teach with respect for the value of ethical human to human connections.

3. Creating a Personal Code

Lastly, to be an effective and ethical yoga teacher, we believe it is vital to have considered your own personal code of conduct. You might reflect on Patanjali’s yamas and niyamas, on the five Buddhist Precepts for right living, on the lay Jain code, or on any other philosophical sources. We would like you to describe that code of conduct in your own words.

  • In accordance with my own practice and understanding of yogic philosophy, I commit to teach and live by the personal code of conduct written below.

Upaya School of Yoga Code of Conduct

Additionally, this school has established a specific code of conduct that must be upheld:

We commit to creating a learning space that is safe, inclusive, and transformative for all.

All trainees agree to: Treat all participants and teachers with respect, regardless of experience, identity, or background Arrive on time, prepared, and present for all sessions. Communicate honestly and compassionately. Seek support from a teacher or assistant when needed. Practice confidentiality, what is shared in training stays in training. Take personal responsibility and accountability for your learning, well-being, triggers, and boundaries.

We do not tolerate: Disruptive, disrespectful, or harmful behavior, harassment of any kind, consistent disengagement, or tardiness.

ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICIES
Purpose
Upaya School of Yoga is committed to providing a learning and practice environment rooted in respect, safety, and integrity. This policy outlines our commitment to maintaining a space free from harassment, discrimination, and abuse, physical, verbal, emotional, or sexual, consistent with yogic ethics and professional standards.

Scope
This policy applies to all teacher trainees, faculty, guest teachers, assistants, staff, and volunteers participating in the training, whether in-person or online, during classes, workshops, social gatherings, and digital communications related to the program.

Definition of Harassment
Harassment includes any unwelcome conduct: verbal, nonverbal, written, or physical, that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment, or interferes with participation in the training.
Examples include, but are not limited to: Offensive or derogatory remarks, jokes, or gestures. Unwelcome comments on appearance, identity, or personal life. Unwanted physical contact, including inappropriate adjustments or assists. Sexual advances, propositions, or innuendo. Persistent behaviors after a clear request to stop. Retaliation for raising a concern or complaint.

Sexual Misconduct and Romantic Relationships
We prohibit sexual misconduct in our studio and trainings. Sexual misconduct is any unsolicited and unwelcome sexual advance including requests for sexual favors, sexual touching, and verbal, visual, or physical conduct that creates a sexually hostile environment. Teachers or students shall not invite, respond to, or allow any sexual or romantic conduct with a another student or teacher during the period of the teacher-student relationship. These behaviors are grounds for dismissal from the program without refund. We prohibit retaliation against anyone for reporting a violation of our Code of Conduct or other policies, or for participating in an investigation relating to a violation of our Code of Conduct or other policies.