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Parents Protest School Administration

Protesters Claim Discrimination, Harassment And Racism

POSTED: 6:35 pm PST November 2, 2009
UPDATED: 9:10 am PST November 3, 2009

For a second school day in a row, at least a dozen parents and children protested outside the Bessie Owens School on Monday. All in the name of what they're calling "justice."

Parents clamoring to pick up their child were greeted by protesters Monday afternoon, as other parents and children protested what they are calling a hostile and negative learning environment for students, teachers and parents.

The protesters claim the principal treats teachers unfairly by ignoring them, writing harsh evaluations, and taking away jobs or assignments if there is a disagreement.

Protesters also say the school secretary is racist towards Latinos, evidenced by hanging up on Spanish speaking parents when they call.

As for students, protesters say teacher aides treat the children like animals. Claudia Garcia said, "We want them to treat our children as kids not animals. For instance, when my four-year old son spilled milk on his shirt, a staff member yelled at him and called him a 'pig' instead of helping to clean him up."

The protesters say all they're asking for is fair treatment. Something they say should already be in place.

The school would not comment on the matter. Neither would the Bakersfield City School District, only saying that they are investigating this as a personnel issue.
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