just a thought that i want feedback on!!!!?

Question

I'm black, and a white Sp. Ed. student pushed through me in a doorway and received a one-day suspension in which noone wanted to even call his parents to inform them of the suspension, already knowing they would be fit to be tied. Same day, a black Sp. Ed. student pushed a white staff member, and is facing expulsion. I don't mind the one day that my student received, b/c I didn't feel physically threatened, he just needed to know that that was unacceptable. I'm trying to see if the system somehow is to the point where the less-advantaged children who don't have strong family advocates aren't receiving the same treatment as those who do come from more privileged or educated backgrounds. In this case, the black kid is being raised by a retired factory working, medically-fragile grandparent and the white kid's parent both have degrees.

I've worked with both students, and the white kid's history of assaults on staff/students is worse than the black kid's.

Answer 1

I can see one point that being pushed asside in a door way is far less hostile sounding than being just flat out pushed as you describe the two situations. I also wonder if gender had an issue in it, was the black sp. ed. student male and pushed a white female? While you are male being pushed by a white female? Sadly gender can cause students to be treated differently as well. As you state the white sp. ed. student had a more hostile history than the black one it really makes me wonder why the staff was so worried about calling his parents as you would expect them to be used to these calls. But the bottom line is both these students were sp. ed and probably have difficulty dealing with social situations so I doubt an expulsion will help that and feel that punishment is way to harsh.

Answer 2

Looks like you are in the ole South, where the good ole boy system is at work. White students can do things that a black student may get punished for. Like everything in life, you have to stand up to be counted. BUT before you do, make sure you have a black book for the retaliation you will face. Take notes of everyone, days and time and what happened.