After reporting serious bullying, including threats and a teacher telling my son to kill himself, the school board’s solution is to send him to an alternative school. My son is a 504 student with mental disabilities and has already missed over 15 days of school. At this alternative school, he won’t have access to AP classes or the same quality education. Why should he have to sacrifice his education to feel safe? What are my options here?
That’s unacceptable. Have you considered filing a formal complaint with the state education agency or even the federal Office for Civil Rights?
Flint said:
That’s unacceptable. Have you considered filing a formal complaint with the state education agency or even the federal Office for Civil Rights?
Not yet, but I’ll definitely look into it. Do they usually handle situations like this?
Flint said:
That’s unacceptable. Have you considered filing a formal complaint with the state education agency or even the federal Office for Civil Rights?
Yes, they deal with 504 and disability discrimination issues. It’s worth starting the process.
If they’re not addressing the bullying properly, you might want to contact an education attorney to advocate for your son’s rights.
Logan said:
If they’re not addressing the bullying properly, you might want to contact an education attorney to advocate for your son’s rights.
I’ve considered it, but the cost is overwhelming. Do you know of any other options?
Logan said:
If they’re not addressing the bullying properly, you might want to contact an education attorney to advocate for your son’s rights.
Try reaching out to legal aid organizations or disability advocacy groups. They sometimes take cases for free or low cost.
Alternative schools are sometimes helpful, but not if it means losing access to AP classes. Did they explain why this is their only option?
Amar said:
Alternative schools are sometimes helpful, but not if it means losing access to AP classes. Did they explain why this is their only option?
They said it’s for his safety, but I feel like they’re not addressing the root problem.
Amar said:
Alternative schools are sometimes helpful, but not if it means losing access to AP classes. Did they explain why this is their only option?
That’s not a real solution. He deserves safety and access to a proper education. Don’t let them push you into this.
Bullying by a teacher is serious. Have you reported this part separately to higher authorities, like the superintendent or state board?
Mai said:
Bullying by a teacher is serious. Have you reported this part separately to higher authorities, like the superintendent or state board?
I brought it up to the school board, but it feels like they’re just sweeping it under the rug.
Mai said:
Bullying by a teacher is serious. Have you reported this part separately to higher authorities, like the superintendent or state board?
You might need to escalate further. Don’t stop until someone takes this seriously.
Document everything—emails, meetings, and incidents your son has experienced. You’ll need this if you decide to take legal action or file a complaint.
Addison said:
Document everything—emails, meetings, and incidents your son has experienced. You’ll need this if you decide to take legal action or file a complaint.
I’ve started keeping records, but I’ll make sure to stay on top of it from now on. Thanks for the advice.