Non-Discrimination Policy

Independence Mission Schools admit students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

We are first and foremost an organization of people and Catholic principles, not rules and regulations. We strive to recognize the individuality of each employee, to maintain fair compensation practices, and to provide good working conditions. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, creed, sex, age, handicap, disability, or status as a disabled veteran, either in the hiring, promotion, or treatment of our employees. We obey all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws. We are firmly committed to complying with all federal and state regulations, as well as implementing good business and education practices in our operations.

Our Catholic identity is our hallmark, and, just like our mission, must be embraced by all employees and be clearly visible in the actions of our employees as well as in the daily operations of our schools and Central Office. Our schools, while serving children of all faiths, are Catholic schools and as such are under the authority of the Catholic Church as relates to teaching of the faith. In establishing our independence from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (“Archdiocese”), IMS agreed to offer academic and religious programs consistent with faith and morals as interpreted in the sole discretion of the Archdiocese (“Catholic Doctrine”) and that meet the academic program objectives of our Schools, as long as those objectives do not contradict with Catholic Doctrine or policies of the Archdiocese.

All of our employees must support the teachings of the Catholic faith both in their role with us as well as in their public life. For certain roles, we may require applicants and employees to be practicing Catholics in order to deliver our mission of Catholic education.

Every employee at IMS and at each Independence Mission School is entitled to be treated with respect and dignity by every other employee. Harassment for any reason will not be tolerated. Any employee who believes that she or he is being harassed (sexually or otherwise) should bring the matter to the attention of the Principal of the applicable Independence Mission School or the President of IMS in accordance with these policies and procedures. If the President is a source of any harassment, please contact the Chairman of the IMS Board of Directors.