Non-Discrimination Statement

1. Our Commitment

C.R. Neal Academy ("C.R. Neal Academy" or "the school") is committed to maintaining a learning and working environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Equal access to educational opportunity is a foundational expectation of this school. The first and only HBCU-authorized charter school in the United States, C.R. Neal Academy is accountable to families and communities that have historically been excluded from opportunity and to the standards of civil rights law that protect that access.

2. Statement of Non-Discrimination

C.R. Neal Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin (including ancestry, ethnicity, or limited English proficiency), sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), age, religion, disability, genetic information, pregnancy or parental status, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law in its admissions, enrollment, educational programs, activities, employment, or any other school operations.

This policy applies to:

• Admissions, enrollment, and the public-school enrollment lottery process.
• Access to academic programs, course offerings, instructional materials, and counseling services.
• Access to extracurricular activities, athletics, and student programs.
• Access to facilities and school-sponsored activities.
• Employment recruitment, hiring, compensation, promotion, training, and termination.
• Treatment by school personnel, contractors, agents, students, and visitors.

3. Federal and State Laws We Comply With

C.R. Neal Academy complies with, and this statement is provided pursuant to, the following federal and state laws (among others):

• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq.) and its implementing regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 100) — prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin.
• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000e et seq.) — prohibiting employment discrimination.
• Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.) and its implementing regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106) — prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities. See our Title IX Notice and Procedures for additional information.
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 794) and its implementing regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 104) — prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability.
• Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended (42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.) — prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability in public services and employment.
• Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (42 U.S.C. § 6101 et seq.) — prohibiting discrimination on the basis of age in federally-assisted programs.
• Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974 (20 U.S.C. § 1701 et seq.).
• Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA).
• Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act (20 U.S.C. § 7905).
• South Carolina Code of Laws, including provisions of the South Carolina Charter Schools Act and applicable state human-rights protections; oversight by the South Carolina Department of Education and our authorizer, Voorhees Charter Institute of Learning.

4. Students with Disabilities

C.R. Neal Academy provides a free appropriate public education to qualified students with disabilities consistent with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The school identifies, evaluates, and serves students with disabilities and provides reasonable accommodations as required by law.

Parents and guardians of students suspected of having a disability may request evaluation by contacting the school. Information on procedural safeguards under IDEA and Section 504 will be provided in the Student & Family Handbook.

5. Students Learning English

C.R. Neal Academy welcomes students whose primary language is not English. We identify multilingual learners, provide language-acquisition support consistent with federal law (including Lau v. Nichols), and communicate with families in a language they understand whenever practicable.

6. Compliance Officers

The following coordinators are responsible for compliance with civil rights laws and for receiving complaints, inquiries, and accommodation requests.

Until coordinators are formally designated, inquiries and complaints may be directed to info@rootedschoolcola.org and will be routed to the appropriate party.

7. How to File a Complaint

Internal complaint

A student, parent, guardian, employee, applicant, or community member who believes they have been subjected to discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in violation of this policy may file a complaint in writing or verbally with the appropriate coordinator above, or with any school administrator. Complaints will be promptly investigated, with safeguards for confidentiality to the extent permitted by law and the needs of the investigation.

Final grievance procedures, including timelines, investigation steps, and appeal rights, will be set forth in the school's Civil Rights Grievance Procedure adopted prior to opening.

External complaint

You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or with state agencies. Filing internally is not required before filing externally.

8. Non-Retaliation

C.R. Neal Academy strictly prohibits retaliation against any person who files a complaint of discrimination, participates in a complaint investigation, or otherwise opposes a discriminatory practice. Retaliation is itself a violation of this policy and may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or removal from school programs.

9. Auxiliary Aids and Services

Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. To request accommodation for school events, communications, or participation, contact info@rootedschoolcola.org in advance whenever possible. We will make a good-faith effort to provide effective accommodations.

10. Language Access

School communications, including this notice, may be made available in languages other than English where there is a demonstrated need within our community. Requests for translation or interpretation services may be directed to info@rootedschoolcola.org.

11. Notice and Distribution

This Non-Discrimination Statement is posted on the school's public website and will be distributed annually to students, families, and employees once the school opens. The school will provide notice in admissions and recruitment materials, employment recruitment, and significant publications.

12. Contact

This statement is provided for transparency during the school's pre-opening period and is subject to review by legal counsel and our authorizer before C.R. Neal Academy opens in Fall 2027.