The education system should be a safe haven for your child, allowing him or her to learn and socialize. While all children have the legal right to be treated equally in the educational system, unfortunately, children sometimes become victims of discrimination. As a parent whose child has suffered from racial discrimination at school, you have the right to take action.
It is important that you take the time to understand how the law works in the state of Missouri when it comes to discrimination in the education system. The key points of racial discrimination are centered on the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This act provides protection from many types of discrimination, including racial discrimination, discrimination in regard to national origin, and discrimination based on religion.
What type of behavior constitutes racial discrimination in schools and colleges?
Discrimination is forbidden in all aspects of the education system, so this includes actions that relate to admissions, extracurricular activities, and student guidance or counseling.
Common instances of discrimination relating to national origin can be a failure of the school system in providing an equal standard of education for students with English as their second language. Often, children who are in the process of learning English are put in classes for children with learning difficulties. As a result, their education suffers, and this can be defined as discrimination.
There can also be instances of teachers and other educational professionals giving certain students preferential treatment. Unfortunately, instances such as these can be racially motivated. All teachers must treat their students equally and provide the same standard of education, treatment and respect to all, regardless of race, national origin, academic ability or any other factor.
What can be done about discrimination in education?
The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) handles complaints regarding racial discrimination. The first action that should be taken is to send a complaint about the discrimination you believe to be taking place to your regional OCR office.
It is important to stand up for your child’s right to an equal education in the state of Missouri, and there are many legal protections in place to help you do that.
