I was interested in getting some feedback on the issue "Gang or Homophobic". I had a situation today with my son. He is 14 years old and deaf. He is in the 8th grade. He attends a middle school in a upscale school district. We are educated African American parents living in a upscale neighborhood. (I'm trying to paint the picture). He is extremly well behavior and we are involved in every aspect of his education.
Today he came home almost in tears with a letter from the principal. The principal stated he had on several items that could be considered gang related. He wore a white tee-shirt, black jeans, a red hoodie, and black tennis with red shoe strings, and nike wristband. I don't understand why his attire was considered gang related. He told me he was taken to the principals office by his teachers. They made him take his shoe strings out and put his hoodie and wristband in his bookbag. I forgot one more thing. This weekend I cut his hair. Little Bow-Wow was on television and he had a cut in his eyebrow. Not knowing it would make him the king of the crypts, I cut his eyebrow. He is at an age where he just wants to fit in. He loves the whole hip-hop culture--even not being able to hear the music.
I am thinking about getting a lawyer for the following reason:
1. They had no right to make him walk around the school all day without shoe strings. What about safety?
2. My son is considered disabled. He is never to be alone in the school. They stated he was not council because he has never been sited for any gang related activities.
3. I spoke with his teacher at 11:30 today about a project he turned in. She said nothing about the incident, but she told me why she gave him 102 points out of a possible 105. Isn't normal to call the parent to pick the child up when they dress inappropriately? I am at home all day and they have my husband contact numbers
4. I reviewed the school policy and there is nothing stated about a "combination" of colors.
My child is totally upset. He told me that red and blue were evil colors.
They stated in the letter THEY explained to him what gangs where. What right did they have to explain anything of this nature to him without my permission?
I would appreciate any input. My husband and I are going to the school tomorrow morning. He is going to wear a white shite, black pants and a red tie. I am also going to wear those colors. Does that make us gang management? Please excuse any spelling errors. My typing stinks! I'm going to have a shot of brandy!
Sounds like you really love your kid. I don't think the schools are using common sense. They just drag a big wide net and try to scoop up everything they can.
When I was in school the teachers knew who the bad kids were.
Nowadays, they just pass general rules and everyone, including the innocent get burned.
Hello David,
Thank you so much for your nice response. My husband and I did not go to the school. I'm glad we didn't because I would have lost it. I called to schedule an appointment with the principal for Monday. I told her secretary I would be bringing my husband and my lawyer--next thing I know I'm receiving a call from the principal. To make a long story short, I spoke with the Director of the Deaf Education program. She was outraged. My son and I met the director when we first moved to the area two years ago. She sent a email to the principal, deaf education teachers (who are actually under her jurisdiction) and he boss who is someone high on the food chain, an email discussing the situation. She told them never to discuss anything with my child without his parents being present. She wanted to know why I was not called. She also told them they need to modify the student/parent handbook so the parents will know what colors combinations are considered "gang" related. She was kinda a smart-a--. She wanted to know when the school started having "gang" activity. So all I can say is that God is good. Thanks again and May !God Bless You!
i agree with david the school did and was using common sense. they should first let the parents know what happened. and they should have asked you and your husband first and then talked to your son, if it was ok with you.
I know I am really late but I know where your son is comming from. They have that same mind frame at my school were if the boys have there pants sagging too low, or they have on head bands, and do-rags, and wearing certain colors that it's against school policiy to wear gang related items. The way that the teachers at your son's school was completly out of order. Making a child take off articles of clothing and causing them public embarassment is not exceptable one bit. Thats one of the things that I hate, I think school teachers have been watching too many movies, and too many music videos. Just because some people around the world wear clothes to represent gangs they automatically think that young African American males are commiting a hanus crime by wearing clothes and talking like that. And like O'z Wifey said they should have contacted the parents first not take it upon themselves to make your son feel less that human and treat him like that. I personally think that you should sue for the simple fact that they waited until the end of the day to let you know what happened and they didn't even personally tell you, they sent your child home with a note. (which I would say is very unprofessional) I hope I was of some assistance to your situation and I pray your strength in the lord.
