I've always tried to teach my children not to judge others based on how they look, act, talk, or based on a first impression. I remind my husband when he does it, and occasionally get reminded myself. I'll yell at someone driving too slow and someone always says "what if they're having car problems?"
My kids aren't perfect by any means. They make mistakes. Sometimes big ones. But I love them and would defend them to the ends of the earth. They have made choices I wouldn't have made and wear things that make me roll my eyes, but none of it is disrespectful or offensive.
Yet schools in 2 states now have singled out my son based on his looks. He's small, thin, had long hair, and two piercings in his lower lip. He's also polite, respectful, and crazy smart. So what makes it okay for an educator, who is supposed to lead by example, to harass my son to the point that he doesn't want to attend school. He has a ton of friends in every class, gets good grades, and has good attendance. But because of his appearance, he has been harassed, punished, and upset.
So good job public schools. You've given me the opportunity to challenge my son and make sure he learns the things I feel are important. You've also reinforced that no one loves him and will protect him like his family. While homeschool isn't my first choice, protecting my son is, so if that's what we have to do to complete his education according to the law, then I will defend my decision steadfastly.
