Why is it important to create a classroom environment where students can learn without the fear of discrimination?

Have you ever felt discriminated against in a classroom setting by a teacher or by a classmate? Did that impact your ability to be successful in that class? Have you ever observed either overt or inadvertent bias in a teacher's methodology or choice of instructional materials? If so, identify how such bias could have been avoided.

Please type at least two paragraphs to answer each question.