Just an update. I still have not received a return call from the Superintendent. I did however do a little research on what my children's civil rights are in public school. I have a call in to the US Department of Justice (civil rights division). I told the DOJ that I believe that my children are being deprived of their rights under the equal protection of the laws in public school, by the local school board and administrators. I will be meeting with a civil rights attorney late this evening to find out what, if any, recourse I have against the school. The attorneys office also advised me not to speak to the Superintendent. I also found out that the student that my daughter kicked was not suspended. He was given In School Suspension, which is a lesser punishment than out of school suspension. I was really hoping that it would not come to this but if I have to sue to enforce my children's rights, so be it.

Rita

-- Rita (rlynchjarss@aol.com), March 27, 2002

Answers

You go girl!

-- Terran in VT (homefire@sover.net), March 27, 2002.

Rita,

Keep us updated on this issue. It will be of interest to many to see how this truns out in the end.

Talk to you later.

-- Bob in WI (bjwick@hotmail.com), March 27, 2002.

Way to go, Rita! Keep up the good work! There's nothing as important as our kids.

-- Cheryl in KS (cherylmccoy@rocketmail.com), March 27, 2002.

A 10 yr old here was just suspended because a drug sniffing dog indicated the boy's jacket smelled of marijuana. No drugs were found in his locker or in his pockets. He could have simply been near someone smoking pot! Kid was subjected to police questioning and handed a 5 day suspension. Now wouldn't you sue the, principal, police, school board, governemt.........?? I'm not a supporter of legalized drugs or drug use, but I'd tear a mile wide strip up and down the whole system for that one.

-- Ross (amulet@istar.ca), March 27, 2002.

You might also want to contact the

American Center for Liberty and Justice P.O. Box 64429 Virginia Beach, VA 23467 (757) 226-2489 Fax: (757)226-2836

They are a national network of attorneys committed to preserving our rights - they do not charge for their services. They do a lot of work with public school situations. They are a Christian organization, but help anyone who finds their liberties in trouble. Might be worth a try.

Good Luck!

-- heather (h.m.metheny@att.net), March 27, 2002.

Rita is mowing one wide path.... pick up the lawn furniture....LOL Way to go, keep up the good work...

-- Kristean Thompson (pigalena_babe@yahoo.com), March 27, 2002.

Well, the USDOJ shoved me off to the USDOE who stated that they would help and faxed me a complaint form. My visit with the attorney was not good. He stated yes I do have a case against the school, but wants me to pay him $3500 to retain him, in which I don't have. I plan on filling the complaint with the USDOE but I don't think anything will change. I will not tolerate what this school is doing and I plan on letting them know that if I have to I will retain this attorney and come at them full force.

Rita

-- Rita (rlynchjarss@aol.com), March 27, 2002.

I would continue to look fo a lawyer.There must be one who will work with you pro bono.If they really think you have a case to win they will wait fo there money.

-- Patty {NY State} (fodfarms@hotmail.com), March 27, 2002.

try a lawschool, lots of grad students who would love to cut their teeth on a case like this...

-- Najia (najia274@yahoo.com), March 27, 2002.

Hope you get something out of the Injustice Dept. All they're interested in doing here is closing the predominately white school and sending the students to the predominatley black school; time and distance be damned. And I'm sure they will get their wish. Good luck to you in your quest.

-- Red Neck (sesech@csa.com), March 30, 2002.