Avoid prejudice in the classroom 

      
By Diana Candia
    Columnist

      
Something horrible is happening in Idaho.
      

      


      Discrimination is not only apparent in northern Idaho but in
      southern Idaho as well. The Hispanic Community in Idaho, comprised
      of mostly Mexican farm workers, is becoming a victim of prejudice.
      

      


      According to the Idaho Press, young people in schools are being
      affected by the attitudes of prejudiced teachers and peers, causing
      a serious social problem: students dropping out. 

      It's disheartening that the Hispanic farm working community endures
      such condescending treatment from others. They are strong workers
      who come in search for a better life. They work hard jobs for
      very low pay and make a lot of sacrifices: leaving their country,
      their family, their customs and the only life they have ever
      known. 

      


      The children of these workers have a hard time going to a school
      where they don't speak the language and in addition, have to
      face teachers and peers who underestimate them.

      


      Hispanic students endure name calling by their peers or statements
      like "go back to Mexico." A Hispanic student from Caldwell
      High School said, "sometimes a teacher only asks Americans
      questions because they don't think we will know the answers.
      You raise your hand and they ignore you." 

      


      With this lack of support from peers and educators it is no wonder
      that many Hispanics are dropping out of school. It is no wonder
      that many times these young people isolate themselves and do
      not get involved in the community. Who would try to be part of
      a group that only sees and treats them as outsiders? 

      


      When the whole world has a stereotype and a certain expectation
      of you, whether negative or positive, many times you fill that
      expectation because that is the only path you have been allowed
      to follow. It is important to give everyone an equal opportunity
      at excelling, leaving stereotypes behind. Educators who come
      in contact with Hispanic students should consider that they come
      from a place different from this one and need time to adjust;
      people can excel at anything with unbiased support.
 

      
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