Without the Office for Civil Rights, My High School Would Have Continued to Discriminate Against Students Like Me

You may have seen the news. On July 11, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos responded to a letter written by Senator Patty Murray, which questioned the secretary’s dedication to maintaining civil rights in education. Secretary Devos said she was planning on returning the Office for Civil Rights back to a “neutral” organization. She claimed under the Obama administration, the Office for Civil Rights constantly overreached in looking for systemic discrimination, and was more interested in “punishing and embarrassing” institutions than working with them. She intends on providing the public “meaningful opportunities to provide input,” as well as intending to speed up the investigation process, because “justice delayed is justice denied.” I would first like to thank Sen. Murray, who I believe has done an excellent job in promoting the best interests of students during her years on the Senate Committee for Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. As a college student, and a student who relied on the Office for Civil Rights when I faced systemic discrimination in Duval County, Florida. I have a few questions for Secretary DeVos myself. [pullquote]Why shouldn’t the Office for Civil Rights be looking for signs of systemic discrimination?[/pullquote] Duval County, the district where I went to high school, was somewhat infamous for disability discrimination. Off the top of my head, I can think of three different discrimination cases each involving restraining and secluding an autistic child. One of these cases dates all the way back to 2009. Why should all three of these students face the same atrocity? Shouldn’t the first case be enough to make a school district change their policies? The Office for Civil Rights is a legal entity; it exists to investigate and enforce civil rights laws. When a school district, college, or university is found to have violated the law, mediation is part of the process they go through. The party that filed the complaint has to have a meeting with representatives of the district, college or university, and see if they can reach an agreement that works for both the student and the school. If a district, college, or university is found guilty by the Office for Civil Rights, and can’t reach an agreement with the student, why shouldn’t they be punished? Isn’t punishment, or in other words, consequences, expected for breaking the law? From personal experience, I agree that the Office for Civil Rights does take a very long time for the investigations, but I believe that’s by design. The Office for Civil Rights is a legal entity; the legal system is slow and deliberate. I understand the adage “justice delayed is justice denied,” but isn’t it better late than never?

Photo by US Department of Education, CC-licensed.

Explainers

all explainers

Why Math Identity Matters

Lane Wright

The story you tell yourself about your own math ability tends to become true. This isn’t some Oprah aphorism about attracting what you want from the universe. Well, I guess it kind of is, but...

read more
What's an IEP and How to Ensure Your Child's Needs Are Met?

Ed Post Staff

If you have a child with disabilities, you’re not alone: According to the latest data, over 7 million American schoolchildren — 14% of all students ages 3-21 — are classified as eligible for special...

read more
Seeking Justice for Black and Brown Children? Focus on the Social Determinants of Health

Laura Waters

The fight for educational equity has never been just about schools. The real North Star for this work is providing opportunities for each child to thrive into adulthood. This means that our advocacy...

read more

Support Education Equity

Your donations support the voices who challenge decision makers to provide the learning opportunities all children need to thrive.

donate

Ed Post is the flagship website platform of brightbeam, a 501(c3) network of education activists and influencers demanding a better education and a brighter future for every child.

Without the Office for Civil Rights, My High School Would Have Continued to Discriminate Against Students Like Me

Elijah Armstrong

Leave a Comment

The Feed

Explainers

Why Math Identity Matters

What's an IEP and How to Ensure Your Child's Needs Are Met?

Seeking Justice for Black and Brown Children? Focus on the Social Determinants of Health

Follow our social media and newsletter to take action.

Support Education Equity