Non-Discrimination Policy
At Foundations, we support our mission through a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and
equity. We welcome the full range of differences in the human family, in our service provision,
hiring practices, collaboration with stakeholders, student body, and in our interactions with the
community at large. We believe the best outcomes occur when our support is person- and family-centered.
SD Associates and Foundations are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture
of diversity, equity and inclusion. We embrace and encourage differences in age, color,
disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national
origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, veteran status, and other characteristics that make our community unique.
All employees of SD Associates and Foundations have a responsibility to treat others with dignity
and respect. All employees are expected to exhibit conduct that reflects inclusion during work, at
work functions on or off the work site, and at all other company-sponsored and participative
events. All employees are also required to attend and complete annual diversity awareness
training to enhance their knowledge to fulfill this responsibility.
Any employee found to have exhibited any inappropriate conduct or behavior against others may
be subject to disciplinary action. Employees who believe they have been subjected to any kind of
discrimination that conflicts with the company’s diversity policy and initiatives should seek
assistance from a supervisor or an HR representative. Students who believe they have been
subjected to any kind of discrimination that conflicts with this diversity policy and initiatives
should seek assistance from the Foundations’ Head of School and/or SD Associates Executive
Director.
In Summary: SD Associates and Foundations do not discriminate on the basis of race, color,
national origin, creed, caste, ethnicity, language or linguistic diversity, socio-economic status,
religion, housing status, immigration or citizenship status, marital status, sex, disability, age,
gender identity, or sexual orientation, in its programs and activities.
Non-Discriminatory Branding Policy
Branding is the process through which a business or other private or public entity, makes itself
known and differentiates itself from competitors. Branding typically includes a phrase, design, or
idea that makes it easily identifiable to the public, such as with team names, school logos, and
the like. It is Foundations’ policy to provide welcoming, positive, and inclusive learning
environments for all students by prohibiting the use of discriminatory school branding, which
undermines the educational experiences of members of all communities and perpetuates negative
stereotypes.
The Head of School (or designee) will:
- Periodically review and provide recommendations for necessary updates to the
nondiscriminatory school branding policy as necessary. - Review branding to ensure compliance with the policy following any school branding
changes or updates to the policy. - Ensure the prohibition of school branding that directly or indirectly references or
stereotypes the likeness, features, symbols, traditions, or other characteristics that are
specific to either the race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, OR gender
identity of any person or group of persons, or any person, group of persons, or
organization associated with the repression of others. - Develop a procedure for an individual to file a complaint that an element of school
branding is in violation of the policy.
Procedure for Filing a Complaint About Branding:
An individual may request an opportunity to meet with the Head of School for purposes of
presenting the complaint, relevant facts, and further explanations, or present that information
in writing via email or mail. The Head of School shall hear the complaint in a fair and just
manner.
The Head of School shall render a decision within 30 days. If the individual is unsatisfied
with the decision, the individual may appeal the decision to the Secretary of Education.
Appeals shall be filed within 30 days of the decision by sending a written notice of appeal to
the Agency of Education.