Legal Question in Education Law in California

activities director cant count

My son is 12 years old and has been looking forward to going to sixth grade camp since his older sister went last year.He is in 6th grade now and 6th grade camp starts next week--but he wont be able to go because the school booked a camp knowing that it could not accomedate all the 6th grade students.I couldnt afford the$110.00 per child price tag but legal aid told me that he could go threw finacial aid and quilfy easily,(something the school had lied to me about prior-when I asked them if there were any other resources THAT COULD HELP ME WITH THE COST)When I was able to sign him up the school administration told me that he was on a waiting list and he was #23--that there wasnt enough spaces avaiable for all the kids!!The woman told me that the camp they choose didnt have enough accommindations for every child!What kind of crap is that?They might as well have bramnded all the ''other'' kids with a ''I couldnt afford to go to camp'' sticker on their head--it couldnt be more painful than how my son feels now--Monday morning all his friends will be smiling and laughing as they board the bus--off to an exiting adventurewhat can I do about this?


Asked on 6/07/02, 4:23 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Patty Lewis Law Office of Patricia Ann Lewis

Re: activities director cant count

There is not a lot you can do right now other than "make a big stink" . . . by that I mean contact the principal in writing with a formal complaint in writing . . . keep a copy . . . personal delivery by someone you know or yourself . . .

tell the principal that if your son and the other children are not allowed to go to camp with the rest of the children, then you presume the school has arbitrarily discriminated against them . . . and that you will, if they are not allowed to go, file a formal claim with the school board . . .

I am not in your area of the state and I'm also uncertain that you can legally file a discrimination complaint in the courts if your child does not belong to a "class" such as disabled or heritage or race . . . but such action might (might) get some relief . . .

or call your local news channel and get some television time . . .

you really need to be pro-activist with the schools nowadays . . .

give your son a hug . . . make sure he knows he's a good kid . . . typically kids tend to blame themselves for these kinds of things . . . they are truly the ones who suffer . . . good luck to you . . .

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Answered on 6/08/02, 1:07 am


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