Title IX Notice of Non-Discrimination

1. Title IX Notice

C.R. Neal Academy does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by 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).

This prohibition on sex discrimination extends to discrimination on the basis of sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, and gender identity, consistent with applicable federal law and regulation. It applies to admission, employment, and all aspects of the school's programs and activities.

2. Scope

This notice covers:

• Admissions and enrollment, including the school's public-school enrollment lottery.
• Educational programs and activities, including academic instruction, the school's three career pathways, advisory programming, and work-based learning placements.
• Extracurriculars and athletics, once those programs are operational.
• Employment — recruitment, hiring, compensation, promotion, training, and all terms and conditions of employment.
• Treatment by school personnel, contractors, agents, students, and visitors.

3. Title IX Coordinator

The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for coordinating C.R. Neal Academy's compliance with Title IX, including the receipt and oversight of reports and complaints of sex discrimination and sex-based harassment.

Until the Title IX Coordinator is formally designated, inquiries and reports may be directed to info@rootedschoolcola.org and will be routed to the appropriate party. The Title IX Coordinator's full contact information, including a direct phone number and physical address, will be posted prior to school opening.

4. How to Report

Anyone may report sex discrimination, sex-based harassment, or retaliation. A report can be made by a student, parent or guardian, employee, applicant, contractor, or community member, whether or not the person reporting is the target of the conduct, and whether or not the target chooses to file a formal complaint.

Ways to report

• Email: info@rootedschoolcola.org (will be routed to the Title IX Coordinator).
• In person or by mail: to the Title IX Coordinator once a school address is designated.
• Through any administrator, teacher, or staff member, who is required to share the report with the Title IX Coordinator.

Reports may be made at any time, including outside of business hours. Reports will be treated confidentially to the extent permitted by law and consistent with the school's obligation to respond.

5. Response and Grievance Procedures

Upon notice of conduct that may constitute sex discrimination or sex-based harassment, the school will take prompt and effective steps to:

• Offer and coordinate supportive measures for the complainant and, where appropriate, the respondent.
• Provide notice of available grievance procedures.
• Initiate an investigation when a formal complaint is filed or where required by law.
• Take any necessary interim measures to protect the school community.

Full grievance procedures, including timelines, standards of evidence, the right to advisors, the right to present and respond to evidence, and appeal rights, will be set forth in the school's Title IX Grievance Procedure adopted prior to opening. The Grievance Procedure will be consistent with 34 C.F.R. Part 106 and any successor or superseding regulations in effect at the time, as well as with applicable South Carolina law.

6. Supportive Measures

Supportive measures are non-disciplinary, non-punitive individualized services available without fee to either party. They may include, for example, schedule adjustments, no-contact directives, counseling referrals, academic supports, and increased monitoring of specific areas. The Title IX Coordinator coordinates the provision of supportive measures.

7. Prohibition on Retaliation

C.R. Neal Academy strictly prohibits retaliation against any person for making a report or complaint, participating in an investigation, or otherwise opposing conduct prohibited by Title IX. Retaliation is itself a violation of school policy and may be the subject of a separate complaint and disciplinary action.

8. Pregnancy and Parental Status

C.R. Neal Academy does not discriminate against any student or applicant for admission, enrollment, or employment on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, recovery therefrom, or related conditions. Reasonable modifications are available to students experiencing pregnancy and related conditions, including but not limited to attendance accommodations, access to a larger desk, restroom breaks, time and space to express milk, and excused absences for pregnancy-related medical appointments.

9. Confidentiality

The school will treat reports and complaints confidentially to the extent permitted by law and consistent with the school's obligation to respond. Information about a report will be shared on a need-to-know basis with personnel involved in responding, investigating, providing supportive measures, or carrying out grievance procedures.

10. Training

The school will provide training on Title IX to administrators, the Title IX Coordinator and any deputies, investigators, decision-makers, and informal resolution facilitators consistent with applicable regulations. Training materials will be made publicly available on the school's website once finalized.

11. External Complaints

A person may file a Title IX complaint with the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, instead of, or in addition to, filing a complaint with the school. Internal reporting is not required before filing externally.

12. Mandated Reporting

South Carolina law requires school personnel to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the South Carolina Department of Social Services or law enforcement. Nothing in this Title IX Notice modifies any mandated-reporting obligation under state or federal law.

13. Related Policies

• Non-Discrimination Statement — the school's general non-discrimination policy covering race, color, national origin, disability, age, and other protected classes in addition to sex.
• Privacy Policy — information practices for the school's website and communications.

14. Contact

This Title IX Notice 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. The notice will be updated to reflect the federal Title IX regulations in effect at the time the school opens, including any successor or superseding regulations to 34 C.F.R. Part 106.