Was discrimination against autism condoned by school board decision?

June 12, 3:37 PMOrange County Special Needs Kids ExaminerTina Cruz

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You might remember earlier this year about the teacher from Port St. Lucie, FL who had her class vote on whether Alex Barton, a child with autism, could remain in her Kindergarten class. Under her guidance and urging, he was voted out, traumatized and could not return to school.  There was a great uproar and teacher Wendy Portillo was suspended without pay for a year with her tenure revoked.

The school board quietly reversed its decision this week and allowed  Portillo to not only have her job back, but gave her her tenure back, as well.  Apparently, many parents of students spoke on behalf of the teacher. While I believe in giving those who make mistakes, a second chance, I don't feel this is a good decision. Might does not make right. Here's why:

At what point do we say it is just not okay to discriminate against someone with disabilities?  Especially when that someone is a child? Dangerous precedent there, to give permission for the many to ostracize the few. Majority rules, but does it rule against common decency?  It's the age old saw , "If everybody jumped from a bridge, would you do it, too?" that your mother used to spout. Someone has to set the limits for what is right.  Which brings me to my next point.


There are adults, and there are children. I am all for democracy, but allowing Kindergartners to effectively vote the child "off the island" a la Survivor just set wrong with me.  This would be wrong even if the child didn't have a "hidden disability!" Lovable as kids can be, they lack experience in how to navigate tough situations.  This is where they look to the adult who is in charge. Teachers not only teach our children, they are a role model in how to respond in situations the children don't understand.  And what message did Ms. Portillo send that day to her Kindergarten class?  Ostracize the different one. Shun him, push him aside. Don't seek to understand or help anyone who is not like you.  That's a dangerous message to send to children.  No matter what side of the inclusion aisle you are on.

In these days, with Columbine still in our minds, and copycats springing up all over the country, is this a good message to send to our kids?

If you don't think so, let the Port Lucie school board know it. Change happens when we all speak up.  I don't think that Wendy Portillo is evil. I think she needs to be educated about disabilities. But she had a responsibility to guide young, impressionable minds in order to do the greater good.  And she misused that trust.  Tell the school board this behavior is unacceptable, and we are watching.

Phone: (772) 429-3600

St. Lucie County School Board
District Offices
4204 Okeechobee Rd.
Fort Pierce, Fl. 34947

The teacher responsible for humiliating a student, a special needs one at that, is given her job back, completely. What kind of double standard is this? Meanwhile, what happens to Alex Barton?  He is still being schooled at home and is in therapy over the incident. This is justice?

photo of scared child, D Sharon Pruitt, under creative commons

photo of Alex Barton, by his mother