Read my latest story, "The All-Nighter", at 52|250.

To:
Charlie.Crist@myflorida.com, – the Governor of Florida
Jeff.Kottkamp@myflorida.com, – the Lt. Governor of Florida
MillerJ@stlucie.k12.fl.us, – Vice chair of the school board
HilsonC@stlucie.k12.fl.us, – St. Lucie County School Board Chair
lannonm@stlucie.k12.fl.us, – St. Lucie County Schools Superintendent
cullym@stlucie.k12.fl.us – Morningside Elementary Principal

CC:
info@autisticadvocacy.org,
portillow@stlucie.k12.fl.us – the “teacher”

I’m sure that by now you’re all aware of the cruel treatment 5-year old Alex Barton received when his teacher, Mrs. Wendy Portillo, had every other student in the class tell them what they disliked about him and then vote him out of the class as if the public education system were just another stage-managed “reality” show. I’m sure you’re also aware that Alex has recently been diagnosed with Aspergers and that individuals with this particular neurological difference are often ostracized by their peers for behaving in an atypical way, even when teachers do not encourage this process. You should know, too, that such experiences only amplify any tendency towards acting out that may already be present. In other words, there is no disciplinary justification for Mrs. Portillo’s actions.

My main reason for writing to you about this incident, however, is that I believe that disciplinary action against this teacher (up to and including firing), though necessary, is in no way a sufficient response. Extreme occurrences like this usually arise out of a general attitude of intolerance and misunderstanding of those with neurological differences; they should be regarded as signs of a need to address this systemically. Teachers need to hear from autistic adults in their communities who can describe their experiences with the educational system. It would seem they also need better training on how to avoid encouraging peer-to-peer bullying.

Please take action to ensure that those entrusted with the education of children stop teaching them bigotry and start teaching them genuine empathy as well as how to read and write.

Elizabeth Kate Switaj
Author, EFL Teacher, and Adult Aspie

(email source)

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