The First Amendment protects your right to freely practice and express your religion in public schools. Some of these rights include wearing religious clothing, organizing student-led prayers on campus, being excused for a religious holiday, and being excused from class discussions that you find religiously objectionable.
Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, federal law also protects you from discrimination based on race, color, and national origin, which can also include religion as a shared ancestry characteristic, as well as from a hostile educational environment. This means that a school must take action to address any bullying or other harassment and cannot treat you differently because of your religion.
WHEN FACED WITH DISCRIMINATION AT SCHOOL
- If you are being bullied by other students, you should talk to a trusted teacher or administrator about what is happening. If you are being mistreated by a teacher or administrator, you should speak directly to the principal.
- Inform your parents about what is happening at school so that they can help you reach out to the school and support you.
- Take notes on everything, including who is bullying you, what they are doing, when it happens, and any complaints you make to the school.
- Contact CAIR-Georgia to discuss your options.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES