School can be a difficult place where differences are often taunted rather than celebrated.

In a town hall meeting May 27 at Federal Way High School, concerned parents, former students, school district officials and activists gathered to address what should be done to prevent all students from facing the cruel blow of discrimination.

The passage of Senate/House Bill 3026 bans discrimination based on race, creed, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation (including gender expression or identity), veteran/military status, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. As part of the bill, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction has been charged with creating the guidelines and rules. As part of that, OSPI is traveling across the state, listening to ideas and statements at town hall meetings.

About three dozen attended the Federal Way town hall. Those who spoke were passionate about their beliefs.

“I think in the classroom it starts with our teachers not being culturally competent,” Federal Way School Board Vice President Angela Griffin said. “As a district, I think we need to build stronger classrooms where our teachers will be more receptive to all students.”

A large issue was the difficulties that special education students face, not just from other students, but also from schools who put special needs students in strictly special education classes, rather than integrating them into general education classes with typically developing students.

Also voicing his views at the town hall was Dan Dempsey, a Seattle man who has spent much of the past few years suing the Seattle School District about math.

Dempsey said he was excited that the law now talked about instructional issues. However, he also had concerns about special education violations.

“I can hardly wait to sue OSPI,” he said.

A poignant testimony came from Kyle Rapinan, who experienced both discrimination over his sexuality and his socioeconomic status growing up.

He received death threats through graffiti on school property.

“I remember reporting it,” he said. “It took six or seven days (to have it cleaned off).”

Rapinan said that the law should have teeth to it — consequences if schools do not hold up their end of the bargain.

“You have a right to go to school,” he said. “Fight discrimination, fight it from all fronts.”

Your input

OSPI will continue to accept public input electronically until June 11. For more information, visit www.k12.wa.us/equity.