I am so mad right now: What happened in my daughters class today (UPDATE)

[lindysalsagal]

113. As a teacher, I can absolutely promise you that the teacher will think carefully

from now on. That includes all teachers in all buildings. Whether he learns compassion, is totally up to speculation. But the school doesn't want to over-react or underreact, and it's really really hard to be sure you're on that sweet spot. I'm sure they're spending alot of time in meetings making sure they're at least close.

It's easy when you talk all day to say something that doesn't sound good out of context, and it's also easy for students to hear what you say differently than how you meant it. But the truth remains that there are bigots in every profession, and if there are few minorities in your school, you may have just unearthed one.

I'd say the real proof of this teacher's intentions comes from looking at him as a whole, not just in one moment. If he's nasty and disdainful regularly, then he's probably exactly as your daughter reported him.

I don't blame her for wanting to change classes and they should absolutely let her do that, never mind how far they are into the semester. You have a right to demand that as a parent. Tell the principal and if it isn't changed, tell him/her you'll be speaking with the superintendent about it, and even hire a lawyer if necessary. She should not remain in that class if she doesn't want to.

I also think the school should have a school-wide character education campaign about acceptance and multiculturalism, clearly establishing the school's values for all. I don't mean a one-time viewing of a film, but an on-going, student-developed set of lesson plans and activities, with prominently displayed art and banners to that effect.

You should be able to see how the school is directly confronting the possibility that some students feel less than welcome in their school, and that they're dedicated to making sure that stops, now.

I'm sorry your school failed your daughter.