What is a hostile learning environment?

What is a hostile learning environment? Sadly that is a question parents have to ask themselves at times. No child should face a hostile learning environment in school.  However many do, and there can be sharp legal consequences for the schools that create this kind of space for students. In this post, we’ll cover what a hostile learning environment is, how to spot it, and what to do about it.

When you send your child to school you want them to be going someplace where they are safe and cared for. 

Children have to feel safe and supported in schools. After all, in order to learn and grow, students have to make mistakes. Schools need to be the kinds of places where that can happen.

However, if a school has created a hostile learning environment, that can be impossible for children.

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.

How can I tell if my child is facing a hostile learning environment?

A significant indicator of a hostile learning environment is how your child feels about going to school. Are they happy to do so? Or do they dread it?

Observe how your child seems on their way to school and when they come home. Be on the lookout for changes in their behavior. If they used to love school, but suddenly seem to hate it, almost overnight, that is an indicator something is wrong.

If you are worried, ask your child about what is going on in school.

Be on the lookout for signs of discrimination. These can include

• Not making reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities
• Grading work lower than its worth
• Imposing harsh or unreasonable punishments
• Not responding to reports of bullying

Click here to download our free checklist of signs of discrimination.

If your student is part of a protected class as defined by the American Disabilities Act and the school is not taking actions to protect them from bullying, refusing to make reasonable accommodations, or being too harsh on your child, that could be discrimination.

What should I do?

If you believe your child is facing a hostile learning environment, you as a parent have every right to react. 

Contact school staff, administrators, and teachers about your concerns. Keep a record of all communication between yourself and school officials. Save emails, letters, and take notes during meetings and phone calls.

If you are not satisfied with the school’s response or if they make no modifications, contact Cueto Law at 618-277-1554. You can discuss the details of your case with one of our attorneys, for free!

Is Bullying Always Discrimination?

Is your child being bullied? Are you thinking the school’s failure to act is discriminatory? It very well might be. Bullying while always problematic and something schools need to prevent, is not always discrimination. In this post, we will explain the difference. 

Make sure to download our free signs of discrimination checklist!

Make sure to know what to look out for and what evidence to collect to support your case. 

When is Bullying Discrimination?

Bullying is only discrimination if the bullying is occurring based on a child’s membership to a protected class.

Protected classes include:

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

If the bullying is based on one of these categories then it can be considered discriminatory behavior on behalf of the students.

If however the bullying is not based on this but something else, then it is not discriminatory. But that does not mean the bullying is okay. Schools should respond quickly to all reports of bullying in their schools, regardless of if it is discriminatory or not. 

Can I sue the school for discrimination?

That depends. Bullying on its own is not enough to sue the school over. To have a case against a district for discrimination, there must also be evidence of bias among not just the students, but also the staff.

The law requires schools to comply with federal civil rights laws. 

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

If discriminatory bullying is occurring in the school and school officials and teachers are doing nothing to prevent, or maybe even creating a culture that encourages the bullying, then that is a major sign your child is being discriminated against. 

Be on the lookout for other signs of discrimination in your child’s school! Download our free signs of discrimination checklist!

Contact a Lawyer

If you believe the school is discriminating that is a very serious concern. Children should be able to attend a school where they feel valued and important, and no child can learn in a hostile environment. 

Keep a record of all incidents that make you believe this and save all correspondence you receive from the school.

Call Cueto Law at 618-277-1554 to discuss the specifics of your case for free!

What does Discrimination look like in School?

Rename, what does discrimination in schools look like?

We like to think that discrimination is a thing of the past and that the legal system got rid of discrimination in schools with Browne versus Board of Education. However, sadly, there is still plenty of discrimination in the world. It is just subtler now and harder to discern. So what does discrimination in schools look like?

There are many signs of discrimination in schools that parents should be on the lookout for. We’ve written about this in the past. 

Click here to read more about signs of discrimination.

The most telling, however, is that your child is being treated differently or singled out negatively not just by other students, but also school staff.

How Do I tell if Staff is Discriminating?

There are several signs of discrimination from school staff to look out for. This can include things that affect your child socially or academically.

Signs of discrimination include things like

• Giving grades that do not reflect student learning
• Handing out harsh punishments to your child
• Not responding to reports of bullying against your child
• Refusing to make reasonable accommodations
• Ignoring your child’s IEP (if they have one)
• Refusing to give your child an IEP if they have documented need
• Creating a harsh or hostile learning environment for your child

For a full list of signs of discrimination click here. 

One instance of discrimination does not necessarily mean your child’s school is discriminating, but take note of any patterns of behavior that suggest an ongoing bias against your child.

Can I sue over discrimination?

Yes, you can sue over discrimination in some circumstances. As organizations that accept federal money, schools must comply with all Civil Rights Laws. 

These laws protect students based on their sexual orientation, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, or nationality. If you feel the school’s discriminatory behavior is based on your student belonging to one of these protected classes, that is cause to talk to a lawyer.

To learn more about federal laws and discrimination click here!

What to expect when you talk to a lawyer

Before talking to a lawyer, you should gather evidence so your lawyer can determine if you have a case. 

Evidence can include

• A record of incidents
• Your child’s school work
• Communication with the teachers and staff
• Your child’s IEP
• Notes from official meetings 
• Diagnostic Documentation

When you are considering filing a discrimination lawsuit be aware that you are talking to a personal injury lawyer. A reputable lawyer should not charge you for their services unless you win. 

Your lawyer should be kind and compassionate and listen to your concerns, while also answering all your questions. If you would like to speak with an attorney you can trust, call Cueto Law at 618-277-1554.

Tips to Help Autistic Children with Bullying

Sadly there are many children in this country who face bullying. Children with autism are often among them. It is not uncommon for children on the spectrum to lack social skills that can make them a prime target for bullying. As their parents, you want to help prevent your child from being bullied. But what if it’s already happening? Read on to learn our tips to help autistic children with bullying.

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!

Tips to Help Autistic Children with Bullying

This is by no means a complete list, and there are many advocacy groups that have many recommendations.

Click here to read more!

Encourage Them to Ignore It

Bullies want one thing. Attention. They want everyone to see what they’re doing, and react to it. 

The best way to stop bullying is to not care about it. 

If a bully picks on your students, and they have no reaction, then the bully is not getting what they want and will move on to something else. 

However, if they do get reactions out of your child, that will teach them this is a way they can get what they want.

Of course, this trick can be difficult or easy for your child, depending on their personality. Sometimes children with autism will miss that they are being bullied completely. Other times it will upset them more greatly. 

Make sure to customize this advice to your child’s needs. 

Remind Them of How Special They Are

It is also common for children on the autism spectrum to forget that their brains are actually amazing things. They spend so much time with teachers or service providers who are trying to change how they operate that they don’t realize all the things they do well.

Many children with autism excel in certain areas, well beyond their age range. Others feel a deep passion for things like music, insects, engineering, or outer space. 

This can lead to an almost genius level of knowledge in one area that brings them much joy. 

Even if your child does not experience this, they are still unique and wonderful and deserve to know it! 

Part of what the bullies are making fun of is your child’s brain, which operates in a unique way. Remind them of all the good things their brain has brought them. 

What’s most important is how they feel about themselves, not how people who just want to be mean feel. Raise up their confidence and make them appreciate all the great things about themselves, as much as you do.

Bring your Concerns to Teachers and Administration

After talking to your child this should be the first thing you do. School staff members and teachers have to know about bullying going on in their school for safety reasons. 

Be sure to include what your child says happened, who was involved when the incidents occurred, and forward any relevant information from your child’s computer in the event of cyberbullying.

Save all communications between yourself and the school regarding the bullying, and keep notes during any meetings you have about it.

Keep Track of What Does and Does not Change

After telling the school and talking to your child, do not assume that the situation is handled. 

Make sure the school follows up, and keep track of what impact their actions have. Schools can sometimes worsen bullying intentionally or on purpose. 

Schools must comply with all federal civil rights laws. This offers your child certain protections because of their disability, and failing to respond to bullying can be a sign of discrimination.

To learn more about the signs of discrimination download our free checklist.

When to Call a Lawyer

Sometimes tips to help autistic children with bullying don’t work, and you have to go the extra mile to ensure your child has a safe learning environment. 

If you are concerned that bullying at school is infringing on your child’s civil rights you should call a personal injury lawyer to discuss the specifics of your case and what your legal options are.

We at Cueto Law are always happy to take your call at 618-277-1554.

IEPs are Legally Binding

You might not realize it, but IEPs (Individualized Educational Plans) are legally binding documents. Every parent needs to know that before attending their child’s IEP meeting. These aren’t just any meetings with your child’s teacher. 

If your child had recently been diagnosed with a disability your school has probably contacted you about having something called an IEP meeting. 

At this meeting teachers, administrators, district representatives, and possibly other interventionists, will talk about what services your child needs. After the meeting, your child’s school will produce an IEP which they will need your consent to implement.

Remember, before agreeing, that IEPs are legally binding documents, so think carefully about what’s in the best interest of your child. 

What exactly is an IEP?

IEP stands for Individualized Education Plan. It lays out a student’s current level of functioning in multiple areas of development. These areas include cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and more. 

The IEP will lay out what kind of classroom your child should be in, as well as if they need any related services. This can include Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and more.

In addition to present level of functioning, it will also list goals the school or district wants to work with your child towards achieving in the next year. 

Goals need to define what meeting the goal will look like.

Typically a child has met a goal after displaying the skills 80% of the time over a series of days.

Additionally, all goals need short-term benchmarks. Staff should explain each goal to your thoroughly and answer all questions.

IEPs are legally binding and about your child. Make sure you thoroughly understand them.

Why Does My Child Need an IEP?

If the school is recommending your child have an IEP, then that means your child qualifies for special education services. 

IEPs are part of a school’s legally mandated responsibility to include all students and not discriminate. 

Schools will create an IEP for your child if they have been diagnosed with any of the following classifying conditions.

• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Deafness
• Physical Disability
• Intellectual Disability
• Specific Learning Disability 
• Speech and Language Impairment
• Hearing Impairment
• Visual Impairment 
• Emotional Disturbance
• Orthopedic Impairment
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Multiple Disabilities
• Other Health Impairment

For more information on what to expect at the meeting click here!

What to Know Before Signing

Before you sign your child’s IEP you need to be aware that as your child’s parent, you have certain rights. 

An IEP is a legally binding document that details how the school staff intends to educate your child, given their special circumstances. If there are parts of it you don’t like, goals you want added or taken away, or services you want your child to receive, you have a right to request them.

The school must allow you to bring lawyers or other advocates to the IEP meeting if you wish. Additionally, you are in charge. 

Parents might feel intimidated when surrounded by professionals and experts, but do not let them intimidate you into signing something you don’t agree with. 

Educators and service providers cannot implement an IEP without your consent. If you disagree with recommendations from the staff you have a right to get a second opinion or contest the document in court. 

What if they aren’t following the IEP?

If you had no problems with IEP and signed it, that’s great. However, sometimes sadly, school staff and administration do not always follow the guidelines laid out in the document. 

If that occurs it is considered a violation of an IEP, which again is a legally binding document. 

Contact the school administration about your concerns and keep a record of all your communications regarding the matter.

Additionally, be aware that violating an IEP is a sign of discrimination. 

Download our free checklist to be on the lookout for other signs of discrimination.

Federal Law requires that schools comply with all Civil Rights Laws. These laws protect students with disabilities.

When to Contact a Lawyer

We at Cueto Law help families who feel their child is being discriminated against based on their disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and more. 

Make sure to download our free discrimination checklist to make sure you know what to look for.

If you are worried your child is being discriminated against because of their disability, contact one of our lawyers for a free consultation to discuss the specifics of your case. Call us at 618-277-1554.

Getting Your Child an IEP

If your child has recently been diagnosed with a disability, you might wonder how to get them an IEP or what an IEP is. It is totally normal to have questions about getting your child an IEP and what to do if your school is not making an IEP for your child. In this post we are going to go over, what an IEP is, getting your child an IEP, what to expect during the meeting, and how to advocate for them if the school fails to act.

What is an IEP?

An IEP stands for Individualized Educational Plan. All students who receive special education services have to have one. 

It will look different from case to case, but generally, all IEPs include a description of your child’s disability classification, current level of functioning, and goals knowledgable professionals feel your child should work towards in the next year. 

It may also include any accommodations your child needs to function in the classroom. Such as headphones to reduce noise, wheelchair accessibility, written directions, graphic organizers, and much more. 

Getting Your Child an IEP

You cannot request your child receive an IEP without an official diagnosis. However, you can request the school evaluate your child. Evaluations can show if they have a condition that qualifies them for an IEP.

Your school can also recommend assessments on its own. Please note, however, the school needs your consent to assess your child. All assessments should be done in your child’s first language.

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) here are thirteen different classifications for IEPs

• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Deafness
• Physical Disability
• Intellectual Disability
• Specific Learning Disability 
• Speech and Language Impairment
• Hearing Impairment
• Visual Impairment 
• Emotional Disturbance
• Orthopedic Impairment
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Multiple Disabilities
• Other Health Impairment

The assessment your school should provide at no cost to you will depend on your child’s specific considerations. If a diagnosis is made, your school must hold an IEP meeting.

For more information on what to expect from the assessment and evaluations, click here!

What to Expect at the Meeting

You will attend the meeting, along with everyone who works with your child and a district representative. Everyone will need to sign an attendance page.

You are also free to bring any advocates or lawyers to the meeting if you choose. 

At this meeting, everyone will discuss how your child performs in various environments in the school, as well as their development, and any other relevant indicators of their growth and progress. 

Service providers for your child will also review what goals they want added to the IEP, as well as any accommodations needed to ensure your child’s education and safety.

Remember You are in Charge

It can be intimidating for many parents to sit in these meetings, surrounded by professionals who are telling you something. 

If you disagree with them, want something added or taken out, speak up and express your concerns. This is your child, and they cannot provide any special education services or work towards any goals without your consent.

If you have concerns about the IEP, you do not have to sign it and can have it looked over by another professional or advocate.

What if the school won’t help?

If your school is refusing to evaluate your child, craft an IEP for him/her, or uphold the IEP, that can be a sign of discrimination.  

Federal Civil Rights Laws protect children with disabilities. As organizations that receive federal funding, schools must comply with all civil rights laws. 

Be on the lookout for other signs of discrimination. 

Click here to download our free signs of discrimination checklist. 

When to Contact a Lawyer

We at Cueto Law help families who feel their child is being discriminated against based on their disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and more. 

Keep a log of all incidents that cause you to suspect discriminatory practices by your school. Also, save all correspondence between yourself and the school staff. Take notes during any meetings and phone calls you have.

Make sure to download our free discrimination checklist to make sure you know what to look for. 

If your child’s school is discriminating against them, call us at 618-277-1554.

When to be Concerned About Bullying at School

Sadly children are often bullied in school, and it is perfectly normal for parents to be concerned about what is going on at their children’s school. When should you be concerned about bullying at school? When does bullying go from something that happens in schools to creating a hostile environment? 

Really, when you’re a parent, if your child is being bullied at school you’re going to be concerned. That is totally normal and nothing to be ashamed of. They’re your child, of course, you don’t want them to be bullied. 

The bigger concern is when does bullying go from a normal childhood problem to creating a hostile environment that impacts your child’s health and safety. 

What is Normal Bullying?

There is no definition for “normal bullying” because bullying is not something we as a society want to normalize. 

There is however a normal way to respond to bullying. 

Schools can prevent bullying by creating a safe environment. Schools can also stop bullying by taking swift action when bullying occurs, through enforcing clearly defined rules consistently for children and offering counseling services to affected children.

Click here for more information. 

What to Do if Your Child is Being Bullied

If your child reports being bullied, immediately alert their teachers and other relevant staff members at your child’s school.

Take note of how your school responds and the effectiveness of the strategies they implemented.

When to Be Concerned About Bullying at School

Since there is no such thing as “normal bullying,” chances are you will be concerned the whole time. That is perfectly understandable. 

You should be concerned about bullying if your child’s school fails to respond to the bullying or even makes it worse. 

If the school does not take meaningful action and the problem persists without intervention, it can create a hostile learning environment for your child. 

Long term this can have negative impacts on your child and cause problems such as 

• Cutting or Avoiding School
• Not signing up for extracurriculars
• Disrupted learning
• Declining grades
• Anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts

If your child is experiencing a severe mental health crisis and you fear they may hurt themselves or others call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.

Your child’s school has to take allegations of bullying seriously, as it can impact your child in such a severe manner if left unchecked. 

If they fail to do so or even encourage bullying through treating your child differently, that can be a form of discrimination. 

What does the Law Say?

The United States has no federal law that dictates what a school has to do if someone is being bullied.

However, schools receive government funding. All government-funded organizations must comply with federal civil rights laws. 

If the bullying is based on your child’s disability, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious background, or nationality and the school does nothing, this is considered a discriminatory practice. 

For more information please click here.

What to do if they don’t Respond

If your school does not respond to bullying, be on the lookout for other signs of discriminatory practices in the school.

Download our free signs of discrimination checklist.

Begin advocating for your child’s well-being. You’ll have to talk to the staff about discrimination against children with special needs. Check out our blog post for tips and tricks!

You should also begin keeping track of all instances of bullying and your attempts to contact the school staff and administrations about the issue. Make sure to keep track of other discriminatory practices your child experiences in the building.

When to Call a Lawyer

If you are concerned that bullying at school is violating your child’s civil rights you should call a personal injury. A lawyer will be able to discuss the specifics of your case and what your legal options are.

We at Cueto Law are always happy to take your call at 618-277-1554.

Fighting Discrimination Against Kids with Special Needs

Sadly discrimination against children with disabilities is something that still happens, despite the numerous civil rights laws designed to prevent it. 

Discrimination against children with disabilities can disrupt their learning, which can be very distressing. Children with special needs already have struggles learning, and their school environment should not be creating additional obstacles for them to overcome. 

Discrimination in schools can be subtle. To learn the common signs, please check out this blog post! 

Once you realize the discrimination is happening there are several steps you as a concerned parent should of course take. We here at Cueto Law have compiled a list of common ones, that we are happy to share with you.

Download our free checklist to take our tips and tricks on the go with you!

Document all Incidents of Discrimination

When you are trying to fix the issue with teachers, staff, and school administrators you want to have specific examples in mind of what you’re talking about. 

Keep a record of what you’re talking about to demonstrate to the school that this is an ongoing issue. These documentations can be writing down dates and times your child told you about instances of bullying, arguments with teachers, or any time someone created a hostile environment for them.

Additionally, documentation may look like harshly graded schoolwork or records of excessive punishment. It can really be anything that indicates your child is being subjected to a hostile learning environment because of their disability. 

You want to keep your own records. Do not rely on the school to do so.

Start with the Teachers

Anytime you have a concern with your child’s learning environment or school life you should start with the teachers. If your child is in elementary school this can be their classroom teacher. If in middle school or high school, it can be the teacher closest to the incidents in question. 

Start with emails, and keep them short and brief, and specific. Teachers are busy people who tend to skim emails out of necessity. 

Be firm but polite. Don’t back down because this is about your child’s wellbeing.

Keep all responses and what they say they will do about it. 

If emails go unnoticed or no follow-through action is taken, ask to schedule a meeting. Remember to not be openly hostile, as this will make people less likely to want to work with you.

Go Up the Food Chain

If the teachers cannot or are unable or unwilling to help, you can start the same process over again with the special education director at the school or the principal. 

Don’t get frustrated. Fighting discrimination against kids with special needs takes time.

Schedule meetings and calls and present your concerns and what you have that demonstrates a pattern of discrimination.

Common Questions to ask Administrator 

• What is the school’s policy on special education and discrimination?
• Do you require professional development seminars on antibias and nondiscriminatory practices?
• What training does the school offer to teachers and staff about special education?
• Do you offer additional services that can better help my child function in the school?
• What concrete steps do you plan on taking to make the school environment less hostile towards my child?

Take notes during the meeting on all responses and document what action the administrator takes or fails to take after the meeting. 

What does the law say?

There is no federal law that dictates what a school has to do if someone is being bullied or discriminated against.

However, schools receive government funding. Any organization that is funded by the government must comply with federal civil rights laws. 

If bullying, harsh grading, or excessive punishments are based on your child’s disability, and the school does nothing, this is considered a discriminatory practice. 

For more information please click here.

What Else Can I do?

If school administrators are still ignoring you, you have a few options. You can go up to the district level to express your concerns and contact your superintendent directly.

Make sure to download our free checklist to take these tips and tricks with you on the go!

You can also contact a lawyer to go over the specifics of your discrimination case. We at Cueto Law offer free consultations and do not charge for our services unless we win your case. You can call us at 618-277-1554 to discuss specifics.

Autism and Discrimination

Historically speaking, it was common practice to keep children with disabilities like autism out of schools. We now know that is a form of discrimination, and there are civil rights laws that give students with autism the right to attend school. Sadly, just because we have those laws, does not mean people follow them. Often children with autism face discrimination in school.

If you have a child with autism, you want them to get the best education possible, and that can be challenging enough without dealing with prejudiced school districts and staff. 

If you believe your child is being discriminated against in school, that is a serious problem.

Download our free checklist to see what signs of discrimination are happening at your school.

How Do I Know if My Child is Being Discriminated Against?

Discrimination is not always obvious, especially these days. However, there are things to look out for. 

• Are school staff refusing to make a 504 plan or IEP (Individualized Educational Plan) for your child?
• If your child has a 504 or IEP, is it being implemented or ignored?
• Is staff not doing anything to prevent bullying for your child?
• Are they refusing to make simple accommodations?
• Do they hold only your child to unreasonably high behavioral standards?
• Do your child’s grades not reflect their performance?
• Does staff continually suggest your child should switch schools?
• Are they singling your child out?
• Is your child being excluded or singled out from the rest of the class?
• How do administrators respond to your concerns? With compassion or indifference?
• What kind of environment is the school creating for your child to learn in? Is it hostile?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then your school might be discriminating against your child with autism. 

What does the law say?

There is no federal law that dictates what a school has to do if someone is being bullied.

However, schools receive government funding. Any organization that is funded by the government must comply with federal civil rights laws. 

If the bullying is based on your child’s autism, and the school does nothing, this is considered a discriminatory practice. 

For more information please click here.

What should I do?

If you think your child with autism is facing discrimination in school, download our free checklist and begin documenting any incidents of discrimination.

Keep a log of all times your student was bullied and what the school staff did in response. Also, keep track of any concerning incidents your child talks about at school. Save all communication with the school, including notes home, emails, and graded assignments if applicable. 

Your lawyer will want this information to determine what legal options you have. You can also call Cueto Law at 618-277-1554 to discuss the specifics of your case, for free!

Is your School Discriminating?

Did you know that your child’s school is legally required to comply with all federal civil rights laws? This means that your school cannot discriminate against your child or exclude them due to disabilities. It also means teachers and staff have to respond to all incidents of bullying and make the school environment a safe place for children to learn.

Did you have to fight to get your school to create an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) for your child? Now that they have to do it, do staff often ignore it? Are your child’s teachers refusing to make reasonable accommodations to make the school space more accessible? 

These are all signs of discrimination against people with disabilities, which is a very serious matter.

Download our free checklist to see what signs of discrimination are happening at your school.

What does the law say?

There is no federal law that dictates what a school has to do if someone is being bullied.

However, schools receive government funding. Any organization that is funded by the government must comply with federal civil rights laws. 

If the bullying is based on your child’s autism, and the school does nothing, this is considered a discriminatory practice. 

For more information please click here.

How do I know if my school is discriminating?

Sadly there is no clear way to determine if discrimination is happening. It can be subtle at times, but if you’re wondering if the school is discriminating against your child, then chances are something is wrong. 

Be on the lookout for signs of discrimination, some of which include

• Difficulty getting staff to make a 504 or IEP
• Ignoring accommodations in your 504 or IEP
• Imposing harsh punishments or unreasonable standards on your child
• Ignoring your child in class
• Suggesting your child or multiple children with disabilities relocate to another school
• Singling out your child negatively in front of others
• Create a hostile learning environment 

Take note of how school administration officials respond when you alert them to the problem.

If they seem hostile or as though they are blaming your child for being bullied, that should be a red flag. 

Make sure to download our free signs of discrimination checklist!

What Should I Do?

You only what is best for your child, and no kid should have to deal with discrimination in a place they are expected to learn.

Make sure to download our free signs of discrimination checklist and call us at 618-277-1554 to discuss the specifics of your case for free.