1 Protect Civil Rights
as the foundation of a viable, healthy democracy, framed in the Declaration of Independence, guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution and codified by civil rights legislation.
Imagine > But Currently > What must be done > What we can do together
Imagine
Imagine schools…
- Where all students are fully empowered to develop their fullest potential.
- Where students have complete access to the resources and supports they need for high achievement.
- Where all children realize the possibility of the American dream for themselves as fully educated and empowered citizens contributing to their communities.
Imagine communities…
- That benefit from skilled, educated, responsible citizens who are effective problem solvers and decision-makers who contribute to and benefit from the democratic process.
- That produce a diverse and creative workforce poised to interact effectively in a global society.
- Where social, intellectual, emotional, spiritual and cultural capital is unleashed for the common good.
- Where differences are not feared, rather they are cherished as a national resource, to the extent that policy and practice does not restrict it but gives it space to be nurtured, celebrated and expressed.
- Where prejudice and the abuse of power is not tolerated, and every individual is ensured his or her inalienable right to seek whatever opportunities he or she chooses.
Imagine states…
- Where the notion of equity under the law is so powerfully embraced that to deny anyone proper treatment would be unthinkable.
- Where the need for civil rights legislation no longer exists.
But Currently…
Although policies have been in place since 1954, the promise of equity and excellence is unfulfilled for many children, particularly African American and Latino youth in the poorest areas. Data reveal that these students are the most segregated, attend the poorest schools with the least resources and are educated by the least qualified teachers, falling behind the mainstream with the highest dropout rates in the nation.
Data also show that, because of practices that reflect bias and prejudice, these students are the ones most likely to be over-represented in special education courses, under-represented in gifted and talented programs, and suspended and expelled from schools and programs disproportionate to their numbers in the population. They are least likely to enter and complete college and thus have significantly lower incomes and access to a quality life.
What must be done…
Information is power. So first, there must be general awareness in education regarding the laws for civil rights for educators, administrators, and all school personnel as well as parents and community in all sectors. Beyond the letter of the law, we also must understand and embrace the spirit of the law. With Brown and Mendez, the spirit of the law indicates that no child should be separated or segregated because of his or her identifying characteristics. That same philosophy must exist in policies and practices in schools as they seek to educate all children to their highest potential. There must also be ongoing monitoring of what is occurring and how various students are faring regarding policies, practices in all programs.
Second, we must monitor how these policies are impacting students.
Third, there need to be corrective strategies in place to mitigate the negative impact that policies and practices may be having on children. We must act with integrity to align policies and practices in order to go beyond the letter of the law, not merely to comply, but to embrace the spirit of the law that seeks to nurture and elevate all learners to their highest level of excellence.
What we can do together…
- Report civil rights violations to the appropriate school authorities or directly to the Office for Civil Rights. All notices should be posted in a visible place, in English and Spanish, or in the languages of the communities each school serves.
- Seek information on civil rights matters, attend meetings and ask questions when suspected violations occur. Speak up and speak out.
- Ask your school officials about procedures for reporting complaints and violations. Inquire about appeals processes regarding student placement concerns, disciplinary actions and general treatment of students. The law requires that these processes be posted.
- Know your rights and the rights of children.
- Examine your own biases, embrace the philosophy that the rights of all children are sacred, inviolate and of importance to the health of the whole community.
- Be willing to reach out to others in your community for support across racial and ethnic communities to build groups and coalitions to secure civil rights for all children.