My Child Can’t Learn in School

If your child is facing a hostile learning environment, you might find yourself thinking, “My child can’t learn in school.”

That’s one of many damages a hostile learning enviornment creates. 

It takes away from your child’s learning. That’s not to mention the emotional damage it can inflict, as well as financial burdens on your family.

Let’s back up a little bit, though. 

What is a hostile learning environment?

A hostile learning environment is specific to a school or classroom and is defined as 

• A situation of discrimination occurring and creating a harmful setting
• Intimidating environment creating fear
• A culture that denies, limits, or interferes with someone’s ability to gain benefits from a job, program, or school

For more information on the legal definition of a hostile environment, click here.

In the context of a school, a hostile environment is a place that causes students to be fearful, intimidated or has multiple incidents of discrimination. All of this can interfere with learning.

Beyond “My Child Can’t Learn in School.”

Aside from the detriments to your child’s education, there are also the emotional components to consider. 

If your child is facing bullying, it can lead to self-confidence problems, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and more. 

Of course, you’ll want to ensure your child gets adequate help. For more information on childhood mental health, click here. 

What if the school does nothing?

The only thing worse than seeing your child suffer like this is seeing no one in positions of power care. 

Sadly this can be a sign of discrimination. If your child is a member of a protected class, not taking steps to guarantee they have equal opportunities to learn is discrimination.

Protected classes include

• Race
• Gender
• Gender Identity
• Sexual Orientation 
• Religion
• Ethnicity
• Disability
• National Origin
• And More

Be on the lookout for signs of discrimination. Download our free checklist to know what to keep an eye out for. 

Click here to download.

Calling a Lawyer

If you’re thinking, “My child can’t learn in school,” and seeing other signs of discrimination, it might be time to call a lawyer. 

Here at Cueto Law, we offer free consultations with one of our attorneys and can help get you the financial compensation for damages this discrimination has caused you. 

Call us at 618-277-1554 to set up an appointment.

Inaccessible schools

While it might seem basic to make schools physically accessible to all students, sadly, there are still many inaccessible schools across the country. 

Having schools that are not physically accessible can limit students’ access to education and time with their typically developing peers.

Areas of concern for inaccessible schools can include

• Stairs with elevator or lift access
• Steep ramps
• Door handles 
• Poorly designed vestibules
• Restrooms without handicapped stalls
• And more

For more information, please click here.

What Can We Do?

To truly fix accessibility, schools will need more funding. You can get involved in local politics or call your representative to advocate for local or federal funding.

In the meantime, schools will need to make reasonable accommodations or provide alternatives to students. 

Schools must comply with federal civil rights laws and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and if you think your school is violating these laws, it can be a sign of discrimination in schools. 

If your school refuses to make reasonable accommodations for physical disabilities, you should be aware of other signs of discrimination.

These can include

• Creating undo barriers to getting an IEP
• Not following IEPs
• Singling Students with disabilities out
• Excessive Discipline 
• Grades not matching effort
• And more

For a more complete list, download our free checklist.

What if they’re discriminating?

If you see multiple signs of discrimination, there is a chance your school is violating your child’s civil rights, which could entitle you to financial compensation. 

Begin keeping a record of discrimination in schools, such as poorly graded assignments and written communication between yourself and the school. Additionally, we recommend taking notes during all meetings. 

Save all receipts and invoices for financial hardship the situation creates. This can include medical bills, therapy bills, and any hours at work you missed unexpectedly because of issues with your child at school.

It’s also best to talk to a lawyer about the specifics of your case. That is why we at Cueto Law offer free consultations with one of our lawyers. Call us at 618-277-1554 to schedule an appointment to speak to us. 

Civil Rights in School

Did you know students still have civil rights in school? In fact, schools are legally required to uphold all federal civil rights laws. But what happens when a school violates those laws? Do parents have options?

The short answer is yes. However, steps must be taken to prove that a student’s civil rights were violated in order to get the justice they deserve.

Civil Rights in Schools

At Cueto Law, the most common complaint we’ve heard about civil rights violations is ignoring bullying or even making it worse. 

This can create a hostile learning environment for students and be considered discrimination or a violation of a child’s civil rights in school.

While there might be no federal bullying law, schools accept federal money. That means they have to uphold all federal civil rights laws. 

If the bullying is based on a child’s membership to a protected class, then doing nothing is considered discriminatory. 

The protected classes include 

• Disability
• Gender
• Gender Identity
• Sexual Orientation 
• Religion
• Ethnicity
• Race
• National Origin

For more information on federal civil rights laws and bullying, click here!

What else is Discrimination?

Other actions are considered discrimination on a school’s behalf. This can include things like 

• Grades and Effort not matching
• Singling Students Out
• Refusing reasonable accommodations
• Not honoring IEPs
• Failing to provide translation services
• Not offering inclusion training 
• Forcing students with disabilities out of schools
• And more

For a more complete list, download our free signs of discrimination checklist.

Calling a Lawyer

As you look for a lawyer to call, there are some general practices to follow to gather evidence to support your case.

Save all written communication with the school, take notes during all meetings and phone calls, save invoices and receipts of expenses incurred because of discrimination, save all school work, and log instances of bullying your child tells you about.

However, if you would like more specific advice that is specialized to your case, call us at Cueto Law. 

We offer free consultations, and no client pays us anything unless we win. Call us at 618-277-1554!

How do I prove my school is discriminating?

If you’re worried your child is facing discrimination, you might be wondering, “How do I prove my school is discriminating?” While we at Cueto Law are sad to hear you are facing this problem, there are things you can do to gather evidence.

While every case is different, and it’s always best to talk to a lawyer about what specific documentation you will need, there are some general practices you can abide by.

Things to know first

When you’re trying to prove a school is discriminating, you’ll have to be aware of what qualifies as discrimination.

For it to be discrimination, the actions the school is taking will have to be based on your child being part of a protected class. Protected classes include race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, and more. 

For a complete list, click here.

Next, be aware of the signs of discrimination.

They can include

• Disregarding IEPs
• Singling a child out 
• Poor grades, not matching effort
• Not responding to bullying
• Refusing reasonable accommodations
• Not offering anti-discrimination training to staff
• Ignoring a child
• Excessive Discipline 
• And more

For a complete list, download our free checklist! 

Click here for your copy.

What proof do I need?

If you think that your child is being discriminated against based on their membership to a protected class, there is evidence you can gather.

Again, we recommend speaking to an attorney about the specifics of your case, but our general recommendations include

• Save all written communication with the school
• Keep all work with poor grades
• Take notes during all phone calls and meetings
• Log instances of discrimination your child reports
• Print out evidence of Cyber Bullying 

Be aware, though, that while you gather this evidence, the courts will move slowly. Additionally, lawyers who represent the school will try to pick it apart. 

That is why we recommend gathering as much as possible to document a pattern that will be harder to dismiss. 

For more specific advice customized to your case, you can call us at 618-277-1554 to set up a free consultation with one of our attorneys. 

Hispanic Students and Discrimination

Ideally, Hispanic students wouldn’t face discrimination, but sadly we don’t live in that world yet. Maybe someday, but in the meantime, we at Cueto Law recommend that parents be practical and take steps to hold guilty parties accountable. If your child is facing discrimination as a Hispanic student, you should know it’s against the law.

Did you know that if a school is discriminating against Hispanic students, it’s breaking the law and violating civil rights?

The best thing to do is to support your child emotionally and document the discrimination to hold the school accountable. 

What to document

We at Cueto Law recommend you document all instances of discrimination. 

Discrimination can look like

• Not providing translation services
• Giving grades that don’t match the effort
• Ignoring IEPs
• Excessive and Frequent Discipline 
• Not preventing bullying
• And more

For a complete list, click here to download our Free Signs of Discrimination Checklist. 

Documentation can look like taking notes during meetings, a log of bullying that goes unaddressed, student work, and more. 

Additionally, keep track of all expenses you incur because of the discrimination. This can include replacing any destroyed property or medical bills, including from mental health professionals. 

What does the Law say?

The federal government knows Hispanic students should not have to face discrimination. That is why we have federal civil rights laws in this country. 

As organizations that accept federal money, schools must comply with those civil rights laws. That makes it illegal to discriminate against members of a protected class.

Protected classes include

• Race
• Gender
• Gender Identity
• Sexual Orientation 
• Religion
• Ethnicity
• Disability
• National Origin
• And More

If the discrimination in school is based on your child being a member of a protected class, then they’re violating your child’s civil rights.

For more information, click here.

Should I call a lawyer?

Yes. A lawyer can go over the specifics of your case and give your more tailor-made advice. That is why we at Cueto Law offer free consultations.

You can talk to one of our lawyers for free about what your child is experiencing. To set up an appointment, call us at 618-277-1554.

Bullying Can Traumatize Your Child

Bullying can traumatize your child. Children and teens still have developing brains and are supposed to go to school to learn and socialize. However, bullying can disrupt that. But what are the teachers and school staff doing about it?

Did you know that failing to respond to bullying or maybe making it worse can be a violation of your child’s civil rights? 

Of course, the first thing on your mind should be the well-being of your child, but if your child winds up having medical bills or needing expensive therapy because of the bullying they experience at school, there are legal options you can pursue. 

Dealing with Bullying Traumatizing Your Child

It’s important to know that bullying is not always a harmless thing that goes away on its own. 

We’ve all seen stories in the news about children committing suicide or hurting themselves over bullies at school.

The most important thing to do is to make sure your child’s mental health is cared for and that they are physically safe. 

If you are worried about their mental health, talk to their doctor about getting a referral for counseling services, or see if any are offered through your school or community programs.

What are my Legal Options?

As organizations that accept federal money, schools are required to comply with all federal civil rights laws. 

Federal civil rights laws apply to groups of people called a protected class, and this guarantees all people equal rights regardless of their membership in one of these classes. 

Protected classes are groups based on

• Race
• Gender
• Gender Identity
• Sexual Orientation 
• Religion
• Ethnicity
• Disability
• National Origin
• And More

If your child is being bullied because of their membership in a protected class, and your school does nothing to prevent or address the bullying, that is considered discrimination on part of the school. 

Depending on your case, you may be able to pursue legal action against the school and be entitled to compensation.

To learn more about federal bullying laws, click here. 

Other Signs of Discrimination

Sadly, where there is one sign of discrimination, there might be many. 

Be on the lookout for other signs of discrimination. 

These can include

• Singling Students out
• Excessive office or behavior referrals 
• Grades not matching effort
• Not following IEP (if applicable)
• And more

We know there is a lot to remember with signs of discrimination. That is why we at Cueto Law made a free checklist that anyone can download! 

Click here to get your copy!

Additionally, you’re going to want to start saving any communication you have with the school, taking notes during meetings or phone calls, as well as keeping logs of bullying incidents and what the school does in response.

Should I get a lawyer?

Each case is different, and we always recommend talking to a lawyer.

That is why we at Cueto Law offer free consultations with our attorneys to discuss the specifics of your case and inform you of next steps.

Call 618-277-1554 to talk to one of our attorneys for free!

Different Ethnicities in Schools

Schools are diverse places. In this modern day, there are many different ethnicities in schools, but sadly this is not always a positive thing. Particularly when people are facing discrimination because of their ethnicity. What does discrimination in schools look like? What can parents do to help their children?

Sometimes our children face discrimination in schools, which breaks their parents’ hearts. 

It’s hard to see children dealing with the realities of the harsh world. 

So what can parents do? Do they have legal options? 

Discrimination and Different Ethnicities in Schools

Discrimination can happen, even in diverse environments. So no matter how many different ethnicities are in your child’s school, be sure to be on the lookout for common signs of discrimination.

These can include:

• Grades not matching the effort put into work
• Harsh discipline or frequent office referrals
• Being singled out in school
• Indifference to bullying
• Not providing translations

For more information and a more detailed list, make sure to download our signs of discrimination checklist.

What does the Law say?

As organizations that accept federal money, schools must comply with all civil rights laws. Failing to respond to bullying is an indicator they are not doing so. 

This is a sign your school is violating your child’s civil rights. 

Schools must respond to bullying. Especially if the bullying is based on a child belonging to a protected class. Protected classes include:

• Race
• Gender
• Gender Identity
• Sexual Orientation 
• Religion
• Ethnicity
• Disability
• National Origin
• And More

If your child is being treated differently because of their ethnicity, then the school’s actions can be considered discrimination.

For more information on federal civil rights laws and bullying, click here.

Get a Free Consult

Each case is different. That is why we offer free consultations to potential clients. You can make an appointment to speak to one of our attorneys at no cost to you! 

We want to help you help your child, so please call us at 618-277-1554 to set up an appointment.

Bullied because of Ethnicity

It’s never pleasant to hear that your child is being bullied because of their ethnicity. While it’s normal to feel a range of emotions, it’s essential to know that you aren’t powerless and that you, as a parent, have options.

If your child is being bullied because of their ethnicity, the first thing you probably did was contact their teacher or school. What do you do, though, if the school does nothing?

Discrimination and Ethnicity

As organizations that accept federal money, schools must comply with all civil rights laws. Failing to respond to bullying is an indicator they are not doing so. 

This is a sign your school is violating your child’s civil rights. 

Schools must respond to bullying. Especially if the bullying is based on a child belonging to a protected class. Protected classes include:

• Race
• Gender
• Gender Identity
• Sexual Orientation 
• Religion
• Ethnicity
• Disability
• National Origin
• And More

If your child is being bullied for their ethnicity, and the school does nothing, then it is not complying with federal rights laws.

Their actions can be considered discrimination against your child.

For more information on federal civil rights laws and bullying, click here.

So what can I do?

If you think the school is discriminating against your child or creating a hostile learning environment, it’s important to talk to a lawyer about your options. 

Every case is different, and talking to a lawyer can be a good way to get advice specific to your case. 

A lawyer will want documentation to understand your case better.

We recommend beginning to keep a record of what happens at school. Save all written communication you have with the school, including emails and letters, keep your child’s school work, and document bullying incidents they report. 

Also, don’t forget to take notes during meetings.

And while you’re looking for a lawyer, remember that we at Cueto Law offer free consultations. You can call us at 618-277-1554 to talk to one of our attorneys for free. 

Discrimination Based on Ethnicity in Schools

We do not discuss discrimination based on ethnicity in schools as much as other kinds of discrimination. However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t a problem that should be addressed. No family should have to deal with discrimination in schools, but if you are, keep reading to learn about available resources and options.

What is Ethnic Discrimination?

In the United States, you have a right to be treated like anyone else. Being harassed, bullied, or singled out based on your ethnicity is a violation of federal civil rights law.

Sadly many experiences of discrimination are considered normal in our culture and something people just have to tolerate. This should not be the case, as it’s against the law.

While discrimination is mostly talked about in regards to the workplace, it can still happen in school.

Common signs of discrimination in schools include

• Staff failing to address bullying
• Frequent referrals to the principal for minor infractions
• Grades not reflecting work or progress
• Being Singled Out
• Creating a hostile learning environment

Be aware of the signs of discrimination, and make sure to download a free signs of discrimination checklist to keep track of what you see happening.

Click here to download.

What exactly does the law say?

Your child’s school might be violating their civil rights.

As organizations that accept federal money, schools are legally required to comply with all federal rights laws. 

That means they have to take steps to prevent and address bullying when the bullying is based on any of the following categories.

• Race
• Gender
• Gender Identity
• Sexual Orientation 
• Religion
• Ethnicity
• Disability
• National Origin
• And More

If your child is being bullied for their ethnicity, and the school does nothing, then it is not complying with federal rights laws.

Their actions can be considered discrimination against your child.

For more information on federal civil rights laws and bullying, click here.

What are my legal options?

Generally, it’s a good idea to begin documenting the things you see to build a case. Keep all communication the school sends you and take notes during all meetings. 

However, every case of discrimination based on ethnicity in schools will differ and depend on the circumstances.

We at Cueto Law offer free consultations and can give you a better idea of your legal options. Call us at 618-277-1554 to speak to one of our attorneys. 

Talking to LGBTQ Teens about Bullying

Talking to LGBTQ teens about bullying is not something a parent wants to do, but sadly it is something that is still necessary. We as a nation are still dealing with discrimination, and sometimes, our children have to suffer the consequences of that. However, there are legal options families can take while still ensuring their child’s wellbeing.

If your child is being bullied in school, you should be aware that the staff and administrators have a legal responsibility to respond to that bullying in a quick and meaningful manner.

Click here to learn more!

Talking to LGBTQ Teens about Bullying

As a parent, you want your child to have an easy time at school and make tons of friends. However, sometimes the world is against them and learning that as a teen is never easy.

Make sure your child knows you are there for them and that you love them no matter what. 

Also, encourage them to remember the following things.

• The bullying says more about the bullies than themselves.
• Never apologize for being themselves.
• Nothing the bullies say is true.

Additionally, remind them that responding to the bullies or acting as though they care or are hurt will only give the bullies what they want.

Bullies are looking for attention or reactions from their victims. Giving it to them teaches them your child is a source for those reactions, and the bullying will continue. 

By not giving it to them, the bully will learn to look elsewhere.

Mental Health Support

In addition to offering your support, it’s also important to ensure that your child has professional support if needed.

Children being bullied are at a higher risk for suicide and other mental health crises. Please reach out for help if you need it.

Click here for more information.

What are my legal options?

In addition to giving you tips for talking to LGBTQ teens about bullying, we want you to know your child’s school might be violating their civil rights.

As organizations that accept federal money, schools are legally required to comply with all federal rights laws. 

That means they have to take steps to prevent and address bullying when the bullying is based on any of the following categories.

• Race
• Gender
• Gender Identity
• Sexual Orientation 
• Religion
• Ethnicity
• Disability
• National Origin
• And More

If your child is being bullied for being LGBTQ, and the school does nothing, then the school is not complying with federal rights laws.

Their actions can be considered discrimination against your child for their sexual orientation.

For more information on federal civil rights laws and bullying, click here.

Be sure to be on the lookout for other signs of discrimination. Click here to download our free signs of discrimination checklist!

In the meantime

While building your case or looking for a lawyer, keep a log of all communication you have with the school. This can include emails, letters they send home, or notes taken during phone calls or meetings.

Additionally, keep invoices and receipts for all expenses related to the bullying, such as replacing damaged property or medical fees from any therapists or doctors you have to consult.

Reaching out to a lawyer

We at Cueto Law understand how difficult this is. That is why we offer free consultations to anyone who thinks they are facing discrimination.

Feel free to call us at 618-277-1554 to talk to one of our attorneys about the specifics of your case.