Parents Join Together To Fight Claims Of Discrimination

By Liz Hill, lhill@nbc26news.com

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By Liz Hill

Allegations of race discrimination had a room full of parents at the Savannah Rapids Pavilion wanting some answers Monday night.

"I really believe that my son was targeted," said Glynis Key who has a son in Columbia County schools. "He was sought out and a lot of parents don't understand when your child is targeted."

That's why some parents in Columbia County have formed a Community Action Coalition to address the issue.

But, it's not just parents in Columbia County that are concerned.

"The question I ask myself is, 'what can I do to make sure that doesn't happen to may son,'" said Pamela Graham who has children in Aiken County schools.

The Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights, a group out of Washington D.C., ran Monday's meeting.

Parents were given information packets as they walked through the door including a book called, "One Child At A Time: A Parent's Guide To Advocating For Equal Educational Opportunities."

It went along with a slide show that addressed everything from defending your child in a disciplinary hearing to keeping track of your child's curriculum.

But, one Columbia County Board of Education member says parents need to be careful when making discrimination claims.

"I have seen, from time to time, parents sometime use anything and every means of defense to get their children out of trouble," said Mike Sleeper. When asked if he was referring to race he said, "I have seen that happen from time to time."

But, parents say if the Board would have responded to their claims, this wouldn't be an issue.

"They had the opportunity to respond before it got to this point," said Key. "Now, you're saying 'don't play the race card' when you're the ones that put it in the deck."

Mr. Sleeper says if there is a problem with discrimination it's important that they Board take care of it. But, he says so far, he hasn't seen it be a problem.

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