I am writing this letter on behalf of myself and numerous other alarmed and concerned parents. My hope is to reach the many other apprehensive parents whose children have had the misfortune of experiencing first hand the unfair and inconsistent policies and procedures at Herman Avenue Elementary School.

I know a lot of you and each of your situations because of the continuous calls I have received on a daily basis after finding out about my son's unfortunate and unnecessary experience.

I do understand your worry that by coming forward, this may be taken out on your child who many still be attending Herman Avenue. Some of you have tried to rectify the situation by home-schooling your child or moving to a different elementary school.

Others, however, have had no choice but to keep their children in attendance. They constantly worry from one day to the next that their child will come home and be distraught.

Yet, our school taxes have to be paid consistently no matter what the situation and no matter how the child is treated. This is just not acceptable.

At the beginning of each school year, our children are required to sign a contract stating that their parent/guardian has gone over the student handbook, the rules and regulations and discussed the type of behavior that is expected of them.

If a 7-, 8-, or 9-year-old child is expected to understand and follow the guidelines set before them, then why are staff and/or faculty members not bound to follow those guidelines as well?

I fully agree that children need consequences for unacceptable behavior, but that does not warrant unfair treatment based on who you are or what you feel like doing that day.

These are children we are talking about. How things are handled and what is said to them stays in their minds and helps shape their self-thoughts and self-worth.

It should not matter who your parents are, what your parents are, your last name, the color of your skin, your religion, academic level, special needs or your financial situation. A child should be, and is, required to be treated just as that - a child.

Therefore, we as parents cannot be afraid to work together. We have to be our children's safety net and be sure faculty and staff at our schools are following policies, procedures and overall treatment guidelines. Laws are not meant for breaking.

I am asking anyone who has had the misfortune of an unacceptable experience at Herman Avenue, due to unfair treatment of their child, to take a few minutes and call me at 255-2841, so together we can advocate for the many children already affected and the future children that will be as well.

Weaver is an Auburn resident