Anti-Discrimination Policy
Epiphany admits students of any race, color, religion, nationality, gender, and ethnic origin to all privileges, programs and activities at the school. Epiphany does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, gender, or ethnic origin in the administration of its policies.
Anti-Discrimination Policy
At Epiphany there is a major focus on community. We celebrate and recognize one another’s achievements and successes, and we also work hard to hold one another accountable. Epiphany strives to be hospitable and welcoming to all, a place where students and their families form deep bonds. Bullying therefore goes against the atmosphere we are trying to create here together. It is prohibited.
We are working hard to fight against bullying. We want to be available to any victims. We want to empower bystanders to confront those who bully. We want to make those who bully aware of the serious consequences of their behavior. We educate our community about bullying and are actively engaged in the work to prevent bullying.
Our policies are being given to parents/guardians and are printed in the school handbook.
Our entire community – students and faculty members – are engaged and concerned about bullying and bullying prevention.
Parents, guardians, and students should be aware that students can be given consequences for bullying even if it takes place off of school grounds. Epiphany students are forbidden to bully. Those who do may be suspended. Students who engage in repeated instances of bullying may be asked to seek an alternative placement.
Reporting Bullying or Retaliation
Any student who feels he or she or any other student has been the subject of bullying or retaliation should immediately report the matter to a faculty member with whom he or she feels comfortable. Student reports of bullying may be made anonymously, but it is unlikely that disciplinary action will be taken against a student solely based on an anonymous report. Any faculty or staff member of our school community who has witnessed or otherwise “become aware” of any bullying or retaliation also should report it to the principal.
School Response to Allegations of Bullying or Retaliation
Once an allegation of bullying or retaliation is received, the Principal and/or Deans of Students will process the allegation appropriately.
If they determine that there has been an instance of bullying or retaliation the consequences may include:
- Notification of the local law enforcement agency if it is believed that criminal charges are appropriate
- Disciplinary action (up to suspension and dismissal)
- Notification of the parents/guardians of the perpetrator
- Notification of the parents/guardians of the victim, and to the extent consistent with state and federal law, notify them of the actions to prevent any further acts of bullying or retaliation
- Assessment of the victim’s need for protection and the taking of appropriate steps as necessary to restore a sense of safety for the victim
- Assessment of the victim and perpetrator’s need for counseling and provide referral
In taking disciplinary action the school will try to balance the need for accountability with the need to teach appropriate behavior. If a student makes a false accusation of bullying or retaliation, the Deans of Students will take appropriate disciplinary action.