Anti-Discrimination Policy for YSO Academy

Effective Date: July 1, 2024

YSO Academy ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and respectful learning environment that upholds the principles of free debate and inquiry. This Anti-Discrimination Policy ensures that all participants in our online courses are treated with dignity and respect, free from discrimination or harassment, while protecting the right to engage in open, robust, and respectful intellectual discourse.

1. Purpose

This policy aims to prevent and address discrimination, harassment, and unfair treatment in our online courses while fostering an environment that encourages free debate, inquiry, and the respectful exchange of diverse ideas. We seek to balance inclusivity with the fundamental right to explore challenging topics and express differing viewpoints in a constructive manner.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all individuals involved in our online courses, including:

  • Learners enrolled in the courses.
  • Instructors, teaching assistants, and course facilitators.
  • Administrative and support staff.
  • Third-party service providers (e.g., learning management system providers) interacting with learners.

It covers all course-related activities, including course content, discussions, forums, assessments, communications, and interactions within the learning platform.

3. Non-Discrimination Commitment

We prohibit discrimination or harassment based on any protected characteristic, including but not limited to:

  • Race, color, ethnicity, or national origin.
  • Gender, gender identity, or gender expression.
  • Sexual orientation.
  • Age.
  • Disability or medical condition.
  • Religion or belief.
  • Marital status or family status.
  • Socioeconomic status.
  • Veteran status.

Discrimination includes any unequal or unfair treatment, exclusion, or bias in course access, participation, evaluation, or support based on these characteristics or other unlawful grounds. However, this policy does not restrict the expression of ideas or viewpoints in discussions, provided they are conveyed respectfully and do not target individuals based on protected characteristics.

4. Commitment to Free Debate and Inquiry

We recognize and protect the rights of learners and instructors to engage in free debate and inquiry, which are essential to intellectual growth and learning. This includes:

  • Freedom of Expression: Participants may express diverse opinions, challenge ideas, and explore controversial topics relevant to the course, provided such expression is respectful and does not violate this policy.
  • Academic Freedom: Instructors and learners are encouraged to engage in open inquiry, critically examine course material, and discuss ideas in a manner that fosters mutual respect and intellectual curiosity.
  • Respectful Discourse: Free debate must not cross into harassment, personal attacks, or discriminatory conduct that undermines the dignity of others or creates a hostile learning environment.

We aim to create a space where differing perspectives can be shared and debated constructively, without fear of censorship, provided the discourse aligns with the principles of respect and inclusivity outlined in this policy.

5. Prohibited Behaviors

The following behaviors are strictly prohibited in our online courses:

  • Discriminatory Conduct: Denying access, opportunities, or fair treatment in course activities based on protected characteristics.
  • Harassment: Engaging in unwelcome behavior, including verbal, written, or visual conduct (e.g., comments, messages, or posts in course forums) that targets individuals based on protected characteristics or creates a hostile learning environment.
  • Bullying or Intimidation: Targeting individuals with abusive, threatening, or demeaning behavior, whether based on protected characteristics or otherwise, that disrupts their ability to participate.
  • Retaliation: Taking adverse action against someone for reporting discrimination, participating in an investigation, opposing discriminatory practices, or exercising their right to free debate and inquiry.
  • Biased Content: Including course materials, assessments, or discussions that promote stereotypes, prejudice, or exclusion based on protected characteristics, unless such content is used for legitimate academic purposes (e.g., analyzing historical or social issues) and presented in a respectful, non-discriminatory manner.

Expressing controversial or differing viewpoints in a respectful, academically relevant manner does not constitute a violation of this policy.

6. Responsibilities

  • Instructors and Staff: Must model inclusive and respectful behavior, ensure course content is free from bias (unless used for legitimate academic purposes), facilitate open and fair debate, and address any discriminatory conduct promptly.
  • Learners: Are expected to engage respectfully with peers, instructors, and staff, contributing to discussions in a manner that respects both this policy and the principles of free inquiry.
  • Course Providers: Must maintain a learning platform that supports accessibility, inclusivity, and the free exchange of ideas, with mechanisms to report and address violations of this policy.

7. Reporting Discrimination, Harassment, or Policy Violations

If you experience or witness discrimination, harassment, or any violation of this policy, please report it promptly through the following channels:

  • Contact: [email protected]
  • Response Time: We will acknowledge reports within 48 hours and aim to resolve complaints within 10 business days.

Reports should include relevant details, such as the nature of the incident, individuals involved, and any evidence (e.g., screenshots of forum posts). Concerns about restrictions on free debate or inquiry may also be reported through the same channels for review.

8. Investigation and Resolution

  • Investigation: All reports will be investigated promptly, fairly, and confidentially by the administration of YSO Academy.  Investigations will consider the context of the incident, including whether reported conduct was part of legitimate academic debate or inquiry.
  • Resolution: If a violation is confirmed, we will take appropriate action, which may include:
    • Warning or counseling the offending party.
    • Removal from the course (for learners) or termination of duties (for instructors/staff).
    • Revision of course content or practices to address bias.
    • Other remedies to restore an inclusive and open learning environment.
  • Non-Retaliation: We prohibit retaliation against anyone who reports a violation, participates in an investigation, or exercises their right to free debate and inquiry. Retaliation will result in disciplinary action.
  • Free Debate Considerations: If a report involves academic discourse, we will carefully evaluate whether the conduct was a legitimate exercise of free inquiry or a violation of this policy, prioritizing both inclusivity and intellectual freedom.

9. Accessibility and Accommodations

We are committed to ensuring our online courses are accessible to all learners, including those with disabilities. Learners may request reasonable accommodations (e.g., accessible course materials, extended time for assessments) by contacting [email protected].  Requests will be reviewed and addressed in accordance with applicable laws.

10. Updates to This Policy

We may update this policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal obligations. Updates will be posted on our website or communicated to learners via email or the course platform. The effective date at the top of this policy will be revised accordingly.

12. Contact Us

For questions, concerns, or to report a violation of this policy, including concerns about restrictions on free debate or inquiry, please contact:
Email: [email protected]
Address: 2016 Bascomb Carmel Rd., Woodstock, GA  30189

We are dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and intellectually vibrant learning environment for all.