Discrimination in the field of education

Your right ends when the right of others begin. Article 3 (Bill of Rights), Section 1 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution stipulates that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty and property nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of laws. However, it is also a fact that many people or groups of people are treated unfairly and differently from others despite the presence of these legal bases. Discrimination in many forms are experienced by some members of the society due to the norms different institutions set.

Discrimination is a broad idea but it will never be a positive one. Discrimination among the poor, women, children, minority groups, indigenous people, members of the LGBTQ community, persons with disabilities, old-aged and others.

People may experience it because of other people’s inability to understand that one thing is different from another thing. Indifference in physical, mental and even emotional capabilities of a person may lead to non-acceptance in a community, in a group, or in a workplace or worst in a learning institute. People who have experienced discrimination will not develop their self-worth and will suffer from inferiority complex. While others are able to cope this up and accept these as challenges and still emerge victorious despite people’s judgment. In the field of education, the universal aim of education for all envisions schools which are child-friendly and inclusive to all types of learners regardless of economic status and of gender. The Department of Education’s programs which cater to these demands in the learning process includes providing free and accessible quality education to all through subsidies to sustain student’s needs.

The Enhanced Basic Education Program or the K-12’s tracks in the Senior High School especially STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) strand in the Academic Track accepts all types of learners for as long as they qualify to the academic requirements of the said track. These requirements should be gender sensitive and provides regulations where discrimination is clearly discouraged. Student’s potentials and holistic development of every learner must be emphasized. I believe gender is not a hindrance for a learner to become professional. Anti-bullying campaign for example is an action taken in order to prevent discrimination within the learning environment. Victims of discrimination like students end up losing hope and worst ending up their lives. Education is a right and not a privilege therefore all learning institutions must practice inclusive education. In all means, discrimination is not humane. Therefore actions must be taken up in order to eradicate this serious societal problem.

To live in a just and humane society is a right of every individual and a goal which the world aims for. A classless social order in all institutions such the kinship of the family as its basic unit, the schools, religions, politics and economics can be realized if discrimination in all forms will be eliminated. Empowering each and every individual must start within us. Respect begets respect. Value formation is vital for social transformation and development. Let us all be catalysts of achieving this goal. Let us live by the famous statement of the “ Enlightened One,” Mahatma Gandhi— “ Be the change you want to see in the world.”