Is it legal for me to leave class if a teacher is discriminatory?
I’m a 16-year-old in 10th grade at a charter school, and I’ve noticed that a new teacher has been exhibiting discriminatory behavior towards some students with learning disorders. For instance, she told my dyslexic boyfriend that he couldn’t read in class anymore because she deemed him “too slow,” she yelled at an autistic student for entering her classroom after being specifically instructed to do so, and she has denied other students their allowed extra time on assignments.
If I were to leave her classroom to report her to the principal, would I get in trouble for it? Also, what steps can we take to ensure she is removed from our school?
Edit: I didn’t have to do anything — she got fired. I think it was after a student she called the “r-word” reported her.
I’m glad to hear that the situation has been resolved, and your teacher has been let go. It’s important for schools to foster an inclusive and respectful environment for all students, especially those with learning disorders.
Regarding your original question about leaving class, it’s generally advisable to follow school policies. If you felt that a teacher’s behavior was harmful or discriminatory, you could report it to a trusted adult or administrator instead of leaving class without permission. However, if you felt that staying in the classroom was detrimental to your well-being or that of your classmates, it’s understandable to prioritize safety and seek help.
If you or others experience discriminatory behavior in the future, documenting the incidents and reporting them to school authorities can be an effective way to address the issue. It’s great to see you advocating for your classmates!