This Little Boy Isn't Allowed to Remain Enrolled at His School — Simply Because He Is Black

One little boy was told that he can't continue attending his elementary school — simply because he is black.

Edmund Lee is currently a third grader at Gateway Science Academy, but his family was notified that the little boy will no longer be allowed to attend the same school once they move neighborhoods. Although the charter school does have a transfer program that allows other students in his new neighborhood to continue enrollment, Edmond doesn't qualify because of the color of his skin.

Despite both the school and Edmund's parents wanting him to remain at the charter school, Missouri state law only allows some county residents the opportunity to attend a city charter school through a transfer program: they must live in a participating district and they can't be African-American.

"When I read the guidelines I was in shock," Edmund's mother, La'Shieka White told Fox News. "I was crying."

According to Edmund's family, he is a dedicated student with a 3.83 GPA and above-average testing scores in language arts, math, and science. They say that Edmund loves his school and that officials as well as teachers agree he should be allowed to stay. However, the transfer law that is blocking Edmund is from decades-old legislation that was left over from when Missouri first worked to desegregate their school system.

"If this helps us start a conversation about maybe some things that could be different with the law, then that is as good thing," said Assistant Principal Janet Moak. She also recognizes that this law doesn't only impact African-American students. She has heard from parents of white students who are also unable to participate in transfer programs and believes it is time to revisit the rules.

"I don't want it to be just about an African-American boy," said White. "I want it to be about all children."