Singing Creek Educational Center’s Non-Discrimination Policy
Revised and adopted 2023
Purpose:
Singing Creek Educational Center (SCEC) is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all children and their families participating in our programs. This policy outlines our dedication to maintaining a discrimination-free environment for both our staff and for our students and their families. We believe that every staff member, volunteer, and family participating in our program deserves equal respect and access to our services, regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender or any other protected characteristic.
Policy Statement:
SCEC prohibits any form of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation among our staff/volunteers and within our programs and events. We are dedicated to ensuring that all children, their families, volunteers, and staff members are treated with respect and dignity.
Key Principles:
1. Equal Access: SCEC is an equal opportunity employer, prohibiting unlawful discrimination based on race, color, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, religious creed, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition including genetic characteristics, gender identity, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws. It also prohibits discrimination based on a perception that an employee or applicant has any of those characteristics, or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics.
Likewise, SCEC provides equal access for all children, regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. Discrimination will not be tolerated in hiring practices, program enrollment, or participation.
2. Non-Discrimination: SCEC encourages free and open communication between staff and management when alleged discrimination complaints surface. Discrimination includes unequal treatment, exclusion, or any action that negatively impacts a person based on their protected characteristics.
Anyone who believes he/she has observed or been subjected to any form of unlawful discrimination should notify his/her supervisor, the Program Manager or another member of management (including the Executive Director). The complaint should be specific and should include the names of the individuals involved and the names of any witnesses.
3. Harassment Prevention: SCEC is committed to preventing and addressing any form of harassment, whether verbal, physical, or written, that is based on protected characteristics. Harassment of children, families, volunteers, or staff will not be tolerated.
4. Reasonable Accommodations: SCEC will provide reasonable accommodations to participants with disabilities to ensure they have equal access and participation in our programs. Families are encouraged to communicate their needs to us so that we can make appropriate accommodations.
5. Reporting and Complaint Procedure: SCEC takes all reports of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation seriously. Anyone who believes they have been subjected to or witnessed such behavior should promptly report it to the Executive Director or the Board President. We will promptly and thoroughly investigate all complaints and take appropriate action, up to and including corrective measures. Click this link for current information: https://www.singingcreekcenter.org/our-board-of-directors/.
6. Non-Retaliation: SCEC will not tolerate any form of retaliation against individuals who make good faith reports of discrimination and harassment, or who participate in the investigation process.
SCEC will undertake a thorough and objective investigation and attempt to resolve the situation. If it is determined that unlawful discrimination has occurred, appropriate remedial action will be taken. Retaliation of any kind is strictly prohibited, and the organization will not retaliate against any staff member for filing a complaint and will not permit retaliation by management or by co-workers.
7. Review and Compliance: The SCEC Board will regularly review and update this non-discrimination policy to ensure its effectiveness and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
By adopting and enforcing this non-discrimination policy, SCEC aims to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all children, their families, volunteers, and staff participating in our programs. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything we do.
