EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: Sage Oak Charter Schools and its affiliated programs is committed to providing an educational and work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment, including discrimination and harassment based on a protected category, and an environment free from retaliation for participation in any protected activity covered by this policy. SOCS will ensure equal rights and opportunities in accessing education programs, activities, and facilities and prohibits discrimination or harassment based on the following categories: race (including traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protected hairstyles such as braids, locks and twists), color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), ethnicity, national origin, ancestry (including language use restrictions), citizenship, physical or mental disability (including HIV and AIDS), medical condition (including cancer or a record or history of cancer, and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), actual or perceived gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 years and over), sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status, protected medical leaves (requesting or approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act of the California Family Rights Act), status as a victim of domestic violence, assault or stalking, political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law. In addition, SOCS prohibits retaliation against a person who engages in activities protected under this policy. Reporting, or assisting in reporting, suspected violations of this policy and cooperating in investigations or proceedings arising out of a violation of this policy are protected activities under this policy.