When teenaged inventor Ahmed Mohammed was suspended from school for his work in science, President Obama invited him to the White House. This show of support for students who face institutional racism and discrimination sent a valuable message to other children: we will support your academic curiosity even when others in power attack you for it.
Two years ago, when Florida teen Kiera Wilmot was also suspended from school for her science experiment, she was alone. Like Ahmed Mohammed, she was singled-out for punishment. It's long past time to show her the same consideration that Ahmed Mohammed has rightly been shown and to send a message to young girls and all students of color that their education matters more than fear-based, overzealous policing or the racial biases of administrators.