NANAKULI, Hawaii -- Parents of Hawaiian language immersion students took their children out of school on Monday to protest conditions at Nanakuli Elementary School.

The parents claim the school has an unhealthy environment, with the administration fostering disrespect and discrimination.

English-speaking teachers and students are pitted against those enrolled in the Kula Kaiapuni Program, parents said.

Parents said the janitorial staff harasses students and neglects cleaning the Hawaiian immersion section of the school.

The parents are calling on the Board of Education to investigate.

"It's been continuous going on here for 14 years, and as a parent, especially the parent of a Native Hawaiian child I feel this is an ongoing problem for years and years," parent Melodie Kaai said.

"We're open to hearing the concerns and when we do hear it we will respond," Nanakuli Elementary School Principal Wendy Takahashi said.

Both sides are united in wanting what is best for the students, but better communication is needed to address these concerns, Takahashi said.

The language classes will continue at Queen Liliuokalani Children's Center until conditions improve at Nanakuli Elementary School, parent said.