Too little support for black students to stay in high school

To the editor:Reasons why our children don't complete school:

They are judged the day they step into high school. Because they were born black, they have "thief," "drug abuser," "troublemaker" or "dumb" stamped on their foreheads. Their every move is watched for failure, not success.

My son transferred to the high school last year. He has been searched twice and disciplined because a white student gave a false statement. Was I called? No. And you want to know why parents aren't involved? It's because they are not informed. Luckily, my son and I communicate about what is going on in his life.

I contacted the school and received an apology for not being informed. What does that tell you? The school is not doing its job.

How can the situation improve if we do not work together?

Parents need to be informed and contacted before our children are put through this humiliating process of search and accusations.

All of this plus other elements lead to a child's discouragement, feelings of failure and a belief that no one cares.

Put black teachers in the system, someone the children can related to and look up to. One or two in a school system as large as ours is not enough.

There are plenty of black students who have graduated in years past.

This offers encouragement to current students. We should market success for all students. Our children are bright. They do not need to be beaten down before they are given a chance.

M. LACEY, Cape Girardeau