Socioeconomic Status and Student Opportunity: A Case of Disrespect or Teenage Rebellion?

Abstract

This case involves inner city students situated within a summer program purported to meet their needs. The administrators charged with creating this program do not necessarily understand the identities of their students or the community needs and desires. This case hinges on the conflict of whether students should be disciplined for using their public transportation bus passes, provided by the summer program and to be used only for that purpose, for other purposes. This case highlights issues of racial spotlighting, racial animus, and cultural mismatch.