Ethnically Speaking by Larry Meeks

Dear Larry: What does a parent do? My 10-year-old son is a very active young child who comes from an interracial family.

He recently went on a field trip with his school. A parent witnessed a teacher being abusive toward my son in front of his peers. This teacher told my son that he couldn't use the restroom and that if he had to go so badly, he should go ahead and wet himself. The teacher added that if he got wet, at least he would be wet and warm. Later the same teacher told my child that because he is an African-American male, he won't be hired or go anywhere in life. I guess there were some other words, because the teacher stated that given my son's attitude, someone would knock the you-know-what out of him.

I brought the teacher's behavior to the attention of the school. And to my surprise, my complaint was added to a list. Five other parents experienced the same kind of situation with their children. All the children are boys. Two are African-American, and three are Latino.

The school has removed all the boys from the teacher's class. The other boys are in different classes. My son, however, has been expelled.

The teacher charged my son with stealing. My son is innocent. Four other children said they saw the teacher set him up. The supposed stolen item was later found with another student.

I would appreciate it if you would give the group of parents and me some advice. We would appreciate it very much. — Karen

Dear Karen: One of the things I have learned over the years is not to jump to conclusions until all the facts are in. I know children sometimes lie and sometimes tell the truth.

I have been led down the path of believing children before, sometimes only to find out later that their stories were fabricated.

The teacher may be a bully and possibly should be removed from the profession, so wait until the school's investigation is over. If you have any doubts about the accuracy of the investigation, insist upon an outside determination.

If your school refuses, appeal to the school board. If the school board is reluctant to do anything, appeal to the county school board. If you are still in doubt, contact the federal Office for Civil Rights.

You have many levels of government to look into the situation. If all else fails, you can bring suit.

Remember to be sure you are getting the truth from the children before you make charges.

Dear Larry: I feel we, as a country, simply should call ourselves human beings and be done with the "you're white, and I'm Indian, and he's black." I think our government needs to stop asking about race on all their forms.

I know there was a time when it was needed to ensure people were being treated fairly, but shouldn't we be past that by now?

When I'm asked what race I am on a form, I write in "human being." I feel that if we all started doing this, the government would get the message.

I also believe that we live in America, where English is considered our national language, and that we all should read and speak the same language.

I live in a state where people are allowed to get their driver's licenses by taking the written test in their own native tongues. That's not right! Our street signs are written in English.

This is not right. — Lisa

Dear Lisa: I agree.

To find out more about Larry G. Meeks and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

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