Your Rights
- You have the right to free public education.
- You have the right to equal educational opportunity no matter what race, ethnic background, religion, or sex.
- You have the right to equal educational opportunity no matter whether you are rich or poor, citizen or non-citizen.
- You have the right to go to public school even if you are undocumented.
Things you should know
Equal education protects students again discrimination.
If you are pregnant, school officials can't keep you from attending classes, graduation ceremonies, extracurricular activities or any other school activity except maybe a strenuous sport. Some schools have special classes for pregnant girls, but they cannot make you attend these if you would prefer to be in your regular classes.
Students who do not speak English have the right to require the school district to provide them with bilingual education or English language instruction or both.
These laws extend to all D.C. education agencies, elementary and secondary school systems, colleges and universities, vocational schools, proprietary schools, state vocational rehabilitation agencies, libraries, and museums that receive U.S. Department of Education funds.
Here are more places where you can learn about equal education:
American Civil Liberties Union
Senior High Alliance of Parents, Principals, and Educators
Here’s where you should go, if you are having issues with:
If you want to get involved in our fight for an equal education:
Contact the Mayor and City Council
Speak Your Mind- share a message with us about your education experience.
Join the movement, by becoming part of our staff, or by helping us.