My son Edmund is an awesome young man. He currently has a 3.83 GPA, and has above average testing scores in language arts, math, and science. Edmund is very loving and the first to extend a helping hand if a fellow student needs help. We attribute his success to doing our best as parents and the great education he is getting at a local charter school, Gateway Science Academy. So imagine our shock when we found out Edmund would no longer be allowed to attend Gateway Science Academy due to state laws because he is African-American.

Our family is moving to the nearby Pattonville school district. When I asked the admissions office if Edmund would still be allowed to attend I was forwarded the admissions guidelines and was shocked at what I read. Children from the school district where we are moving are allowed to enroll in Gateway Science Academy as long as they don't identify as African-American.

These guidelines were put in place by the state and is unfair for my child who has been going to the school since kindergarten and has been excelling. Not admitting Edmund simply because he is African American is just wrong. My son loves his school, friends, and teachers. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education should not deny my son admission based on his race.

Please sign our petition asking them to allow Edmund to remain in the school where he has found so much success as well as change the ruling on race being the deciding factor on if a child can attend GSA. We are going to show Edmund that his parents, school, community, and people across the country will fight for what is right.

http://fox2now.com/2016/02/23/student-cant-attend-school-because-hes-african-american/