Help! Is my counselor being discriminatory?

worried_mom
Mon, 14 Sep 2009 22:06:14 +0000

I do not think you are over-reacting at all. This “counselor” is a disaster and someone in a position of authority over her needs to know about it.

I do think you need to formally document, in writing, all of the things that have happened. Print out the email and also write down right now – as accurately as you and your mother can recall – exactly what was said at the game, before you both forget. Ask for a meeting with the principal (with the head of the counseling department if that is her supervisor). Do NOT jump the chain of command and go directly to the school board, as that will just tick off the principal since the school board will ask him what he’s done about it and you haven’t given him a chance to do anything. If you don’t get any satisfaction from the principal, THEN you go the School Board.

Bring your mom with you, if you can, to the meeting to provide her first-hand account as well. Do not get sarcastic or angry, but remain calm and show that you are acting far more maturely than the counselor. Specifically bring up the problem with having this woman – who is obviously biased against you – writing your letter of recommendation and get the principal to commit to finding a suitable alternative (assigning you another counselor, writing the letter himself, etc.).

I’m so sorry that you were subjected to this awful behavior. Applying to colleges is stressful enough without having this added burden. I hope it will be resolved soon. Good luck!