School-sponsored abuse of a 5 year old ASD student

I hadn't planned to make something like this a first post for Café Autism but I am absolutely livid after reading this story about horrifying mistreatment of a 5 year old boy who is in the process of being diagnosed with Aspberger's Syndrome.

Kindergarten Teacher Leads Class Vote Against Autistic Student

A kindergarten teacher in Port St. Lucie, FL (I'm embarrassed to live in the same state with this woman who the state lets call herself an "educator") actually led her class last Wednesday in a vote to vote the child out of her class! She let each child say what they did or didn't like about the boy and then held the vote...How can someone do that to a child, let alone someone whose job is supposed to be to nurture and educate that child?

The local prosecutor says no crime was committed and the district is investigating the violation of the student's rights. The boy was traumatized and has not been back to school since the vote. The family is considering filing suit against the district. I bet they have lawyers lined up to take the case pro bono.

We are making progress in getting rights and treatment for our children in many ways...but when this sort of thing can happen in a public school classroom that is under the auspices of all sorts of equal opportunity and disability protection laws...well, we still have a long way to go.

Comments

[Christina Tierney]

Hey there Scrap Nancy! Your site is just outstanding! I hope that I'm the first to comment!

Really looking forward to participating! Many Blessings...

[Jeanine]

This is so frustrating. I feel like we are living in the dark ages - I am appalled that people still do this, although my district can be just as bad (they have decided they don't want my son in ESY over the summer with no basis - sigh).

Keep up the great work on this blog Nancy!