Religious harrassment/bullying in elementary school

[tshahbazi]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Georgia

My son came home from school today telling me that someone in his class said that all the kids were talking about how muslim parents are going to send their kids to school with bombs in their backpacks. There are very few muslims that attend their school. It is a public school, for the record. I believe aside from my son and daughter there may be two or three others. This is not the first occurance. Last year, he was constantly tormented with kids asking if he was a terrorist, if his dad was one, etc. We met with the principal at that time, and she was supportive and helpful, however, here we go again.... What responsibility does the school bear to provide a non-hostile learning environment, and what recourse do I have as a parent since they apparently can't protect my children from this foul abuse?

Thank you in advance for your help.

 

[Humusluvr]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Georgia

My son came home from school today telling me that someone in his class said that all the kids were talking about how muslim parents are going to send their kids to school with bombs in their backpacks. There are very few muslims that attend their school. It is a public school, for the record. I believe aside from my son and daughter there may be two or three others. This is not the first occurance. Last year, he was constantly tormented with kids asking if he was a terrorist, if his dad was one, etc. We met with the principal at that time, and she was supportive and helpful, however, here we go again.... What responsibility does the school bear to provide a non-hostile learning environment, and what recourse do I have as a parent since they apparently can't protect my children from this foul abuse?

Thank you in advance for your help.

You might approach this from a bullying aspect. Ask that the guidance counselor meet with your child and the children who are calling names, as they would have the best resources. You might ask if the school could provide some education or training for the teachers on how to handle situations like this.

But honestly, you would be better off teaching your child about what's happening in this situation. Have a frank discussion with your child about why this is happening, that the situation is just due to people being ignorant/scared, and to brush it off. You really can't control what other children are saying. You would be better off to teach child how to ignore it.

Here's an excellent article I found "Arab American Students in Public Schools. ERIC Digest, Number 142. "

Arab American Students in Public Schools. ERIC Digest

Best of luck to you.