A student facing discrimination at school should not have to go through it alone. Unfortunately, many students, and their parents, do not feel they are in a position to defend themselves and may not know where to turn.

The Law Offices of M. Ballard Mitchell is an Atlanta, Georgia, education law firm that is committed to representing students and families who face discrimination at school. Attorney Megan Ballard-Mitchell began her legal career as a Public Defender in Georgia’s Northeastern Judicial Circuit, then served as an Attorney Advisor for the U.S. Department of Education in the Office of Civil Rights (“OCR”). Today, she uses her experience to represent students who face discrimination at school, including LGBTQ+ students, students with disabilities, and others.

To put her expertise to work for you, contact The Law Offices of M. Ballard Mitchell today.

Understanding Discrimination at School

Discrimination at school can take many different forms, including being treated differently because of a student’s race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability. Discrimination may include physical or verbal bullying, but it can also involve being treated differently or unfairly because of a protected characteristic. Sometimes, students face discrimination from other students. Other times, students are discriminated against by teachers, administrators, or other school personnel. Discrimination can also occur in admission or enrollment, and in disciplinary practices, assignments, or financial aid decisions.

State and federal laws generally prohibit discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying of students based on their actual or perceived sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, religion, physical or mental disabilities, or association with a person or group with one of those actual or perceived characteristics. In addition, schools are required to adopt policies that prohibit discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and harassment based on these categories.

Most public schools are operated by the state and treated as extensions of the government. Private schools that receive federal funding (which is most of them) are also prohibited from engaging in illegal discrimination. The United States Department of Education’s OCR ensures schools comply with federal civil rights laws, while the Georgia Department of Education OCR oversees enforcement of anti-discrimination laws at the state level.

What To Do If Your Child Is Being Discriminated Against at School

If your child is experiencing discrimination at school, begin by keeping a record of each incident. If you talk to the school, make note of its response, if any.

Request and review the school’s policy on discrimination and bullying, and consider asking the school for a written report of each and every incident of discrimination.

If the school does not address the discrimination, The Law Offices of M. Ballard Mitchell can help by providing advice, assistance, and legal representation to help your family navigate this challenging time.

How Do You Know If Your Child’s Rights Have Been Violated?

Education law is a complex and nuanced field. If you suspect your child is being illegally discriminated against, you should discuss your situation with an experienced education lawyer.

Before opening The Law Offices of M. Ballard Mitchell, Ms. Mitchell served as an Attorney Advisor for the U.S. Department of Education in the Office of Civil Rights (“OCR”), where she reviewed college, university, and K-12 Title IX investigations. She also served as a Public Defender in Georgia’s Northeastern Judicial Circuit, where she gained experience preparing and litigating cases in court.

Ms. Mitchell can evaluate your situation and explain your family’s legal rights and the laws that protect your child from discrimination in an educational setting. She can help you gather and present evidence, advocate for your child’s rights and interests and offer insight as you explore and evaluate your options.

How The Law Offices of M. Ballard Mitchell Can Help

Schools are required to protect every student’s right to learn in a safe environment free from discrimination. If your child is being discriminated against by school personnel, or if the school is permitting other students to discriminate against your child because your child is a member of a protected class, The Law Offices of M. Ballard Mitchell can help. Some cases can be resolved through negotiation and mediation. Other times, you may need to file a complaint with the state or federal OCR. Regardless, Ms. Mitchell can explain your options and build a strong case to achieve optimal results for your family.

To learn more and put Ms. Ballard’s expertise to work for you, contact The Law offices of M. Ballard Mitchell today.