A mother in Atlanta filed a federal discrimination complaint against an elementary school, alleging that the school segregated students based on race.
Black mother files complaint against Atlanta elementary school for racial segregation
“My community, if they had heard about this, would probably be extremely upset.
Not just black parents, but white parents as well,” said parent Kila Posey, who is black.
Posey said the practice was implemented last year at Mary Lin Elementary School by Principal Sharyn Briscoe, who is also black.
Posey explained that black students were placed in two classes with two different teachers, while white students were placed in six classes with six different teachers.
She learned of the segregation when she asked Briscoe to place her son with a teacher she thought would be a good fit, she recalled to the news outlet.
According to reports, the principal told the mother that her son would be isolated if he was placed in an all-white class.
“I explained to her that she should not be isolated or punished because I am not willing to accept her illegal and unethical practice,” Posey said.
Posey also recorded a conversation with an assistant principal, who confirmed that it was Briscoe’s decision to implement the segregated classes.
“I wish we had more black kids, and then some of them are in one class because of the services they need,” the administrator said in the recording.
The school now faces a discrimination complaint, which was filed with the U.S.
Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. And Posey added that he wants the principal and his administration removed from their posts for segregation.
