Just saw this on CNN.
This is so messed up I don't even know where to start.
The
basics: Alex, a 5 year old boy "who is in the process of being
diagnosed with autism," specifically Asperger's syndrome, was
voted out of his kindergarten classroom
by the other students. How did that happen? The teacher thought it
would be a good idea to let the other kids tell Alex what they thought
of him. "Disgusting" and " annoying" was the verdict. The vote was 14-2
in favor of kicking him out of the class, so he left and spent the rest
of the day in the nurse's office.
Now, it's one thing for a
teacher to handle a "problem" child badly. Apparently Alex had some
behavioral issues, and it sounds like they might have been tough to
deal with. But allowing students to verbally berate another student,
and then suggesting they vote on whether or not the kid should remain
in the classroom? That's about as screwed up as it gets. Regardless of
whether or not the child has autism, a harelip or chronic halitosis,
teachers can't get involved in something so petty and cruel.
This
happened in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (What is it about Florida and
voting scandals?) Alex's mom, Melissa Barton, is considering legal
action, although "the state attorney's office concluded the matter did
not meet the criteria for emotional child abuse, so no criminal charges
will be filed." So, like, what would meet the criteria? Throwing
baloney at him while they vote him off the island, "Survivor"-style? Oy
vey.
