Entitled to Fail: The Oxymoron of Privileged Discrimination

Discrimination Happens on Both Ends of the Spectrum

When we talk about discrimination in schools, the focus is often on students from low-income families, students of color or those with visible disabilities. And yes—these students do face unfair treatment, lower expectations and harsher discipline. But there’s another side we don’t talk about enough.

Discrimination can also hide behind privilege.

Students from upper-income households, especially white students from well-known families, are often assumed to “know better.” When they struggle, it’s labeled as laziness, defiance or entitlement. Their behavior isn’t seen as a need for support—it’s seen as a personal failure.

They’re told they’re “just spoiled,” “just bored” or “making bad choices.”

But what if it’s more than that?

What if they have ADHD or ODD that’s been masked by good grades, polite language or financial privilege?

What if their anxiety hides behind silence or sarcasm?

What if their “defiance” is actually dysregulation?

Kids from every background deserve to be seen as human first—not reduced to stereotypes of poverty or privilege.

Let’s stop assuming.

Let’s start supporting.

Behavior is communication—no matter the zip code.