Non-Discrimination Policy | Machen Academy

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Machen Academy is committed to providing equal opportunities and maintaining an inclusive, welcoming environment for all students, families, and staff regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Our Commitment

Machen Academy believes that diversity strengthens our educational community. We are dedicated to creating an environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and creatively. We value and respect individual differences and recognize that a diverse community enriches the educational experience for all.

Policy Statement

Machen Academy does not discriminate on the basis of:

Race
Color
National or ethnic origin
Sex or gender
Sexual orientation
Gender identity or expression
Age
Religion or religious belief
Disability or special needs
Veteran status
Genetic information
Ancestry
Socioeconomic status
Any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law

Application of Policy

This non-discrimination policy applies to all aspects of the academy's operations, including but not limited to:

Admissions and Enrollment

Application and enrollment processes
Student acceptance decisions
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Access to all programs and activities

Educational Programs

Curriculum and instruction
Arts programs and workshops
Field trips and extracurricular activities
Educational resources and materials
Academic support services

Employment

Recruitment and hiring
Compensation and benefits
Professional development
Promotions and assignments
Disciplinary actions and termination

Facilities and Services

Use of academy facilities
Participation in academy-sponsored events
Access to educational materials and resources

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

Machen Academy is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified students with disabilities in accordance with applicable law, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Requesting Accommodations

Parents or guardians seeking accommodations for a student should:

Contact the academy to discuss the student's needs
Provide relevant documentation of the disability
Work collaboratively with staff to develop appropriate accommodations
Participate in regular reviews of accommodation effectiveness

Types of Accommodations

Accommodations may include, but are not limited to:

Modified curriculum delivery methods
Extended time for assignments or assessments
Assistive technology or adaptive equipment
Alternative formats for materials
Physical accessibility modifications
Communication supports

Religious Accommodations

Machen Academy respects the religious beliefs and practices of all families. We will make reasonable accommodations for religious observances and practices that do not cause undue hardship to the academy or compromise the educational experience of other students.

Prohibition of Harassment and Bullying

Machen Academy strictly prohibits all forms of harassment, discrimination, and bullying. This includes:

Verbal harassment (derogatory comments, slurs, jokes)
Physical harassment (unwanted touching, assault)
Visual harassment (offensive images, gestures)
Cyber-bullying (online harassment, social media abuse)
Sexual harassment
Retaliation against individuals who report discrimination

Any student, family member, or staff member who experiences or witnesses harassment should report it immediately to academy administration.

Reporting Discrimination

How to Report

Individuals who believe they have experienced discrimination should:

Contact academy administration as soon as possible
Provide details of the incident(s), including dates, locations, and witnesses
Submit a written complaint if requested

Investigation Process

All complaints will be taken seriously and investigated promptly
The academy will maintain confidentiality to the extent possible
Both complainant and respondent will have the opportunity to present information
The academy will take appropriate corrective action if discrimination is found
Retaliation against anyone who files a complaint is strictly prohibited

Consequences for Violations

Individuals found to have engaged in discrimination, harassment, or retaliation may face:

Verbal or written warnings
Mandatory training or counseling
Suspension from programs or activities
Termination of enrollment (for students)
Termination of employment (for staff)
Legal action as appropriate

Title IX Compliance

Machen Academy complies with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities. This includes protection against sexual harassment and sexual violence.

Title IX Coordinator

Questions or concerns related to Title IX should be directed to academy administration at:

7950 Hwy 72 W Suite C
Madison, AL 35758
Phone: (202) 350-9182

Inclusive Language and Environment

Machen Academy is committed to fostering an inclusive environment through:

Use of inclusive and respectful language
Recognition and celebration of diverse cultures and backgrounds
Curriculum that reflects diverse perspectives and experiences
Professional development for staff on diversity and inclusion
Creating safe spaces for all students to express themselves

Community Partnerships

We welcome partnerships with families, community organizations, and resources that support our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Policy Review and Updates

This Non-Discrimination Policy will be reviewed annually and updated as needed to reflect current laws, regulations, and best practices. Changes will be communicated to all families and staff.

External Resources

Individuals may also file complaints with:

U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights
Website: www.ed.gov/ocr
Phone: 800-421-3481
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (for employment matters)
Website: www.eeoc.gov
Phone: 800-669-4000

Contact Information

Questions, concerns, or complaints regarding this Non-Discrimination Policy should be directed to:

Machen Academy
7950 Hwy 72 W Suite C
Madison, AL 35758
Phone: (202) 350-9182

Machen Academy is proud to maintain a learning environment that celebrates diversity, promotes equity, and ensures that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.