I've always been a bookworm, but during elementary school I was put into the lowest reading level. In the 5th grade, the reading TA noticed how quickly & easily I completed the comprehension test for my level. She gave me the test for the next level (aced it) & the next, until I'd passed all but the highest level comprehension test. She was confused as to why I was in the lowest level for reading & said she'd make a note to place me into the highest level for 6th grade. First day of school, 6th grade, reading assignments are handed out & I'm right back in the lowest reading level. I go to my teacher to complain but he blows me off, tells me, if I really passed those tests then I can just go through all the books again. I went to the school principal, she just laughed & said if I'm actually that smart I can just go through all the books again. Went to my mother, she couldn't be bothered with that. So that year I just gave up. Turned out it didn't really matter as the teacher gave all Black & Mexican students C's & all white students A's & B's no matter how much or how little effort was put into our school work. My 6th grade teacher was Black. That was the first time I remember being blatantly discriminated against by an adult & by extension the whole system. I sometimes wonder about my classmates from that school. It was at least 85% Black. Breaks my heart & pisses me off all at once.
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When things like this happen to even one person, it can almost make you blow it off, but when you KNOW this is happening to many people, there down right ANGER brewing. I hope the universe connects your care and concern about your classmates wellbeing with them in some way and they are uplifted.
Thank you for sharing your story. Far too often, assumptions are made about our intelligence. This should have never happened. I'm sorry the adults decided your intellect before even knowing you.