I would like to get your feedback on a topic that has hit my local community after the recent events of the Virginia Tech shootings.
Yesterday, a special needs child who was placed at a special needs school (a school that serves ONLY those with severe needs such as severe autism, retardation, etc) was arrested and charged as an adult for making a "threat." He made some rambling off-the-wall comment about being like the Virginia Tech shooter. The school officials immediately searched him, secluded him, searched his locker, and called police. Police officials immediately arrested him and charged him with assault or terroristic threats (I'm not sure of all the charges involved).
So here's my question..... Did the school go too far and have a "knee-jerk" reaction with a special needs child who probably didn't even understand what he was saying? I'm not sure of the child's complete mental history and status, but for him to be in this particular school, he had to be pretty bad and he probably had a really low IQ.
What are your thoughts?
Simple answer. Yes. He's a special needs child for a reason. He was probably comparing himself to the shooter - b/c of the descriptions in the news.I was afraid of something like that happening as a consequence of the coverage.
I bet the school almost felt they "had to" do what they did though. I take it this got press coverage? That seems wrong.
I was afraid of something like that happening as a consequence of the coverage.
I bet the school almost felt they "had to" do what they did though. I take it this got press coverage? That seems wrong.
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Yes, it's ALL over the papers and every news station locally. The thing that bothers me however, is that this child was charged as an adult, after the school found that his ramblings were unfounded. He didn't have anything on his possession... and I'm almost sure he didn't know what he was saying. It's like my own son.... He'll take off on verbal tangeants based on what the news or his "normal" peers are talking about. But he doesn't understand what it means or the repercussions of it. So the final question is this.... Is jail time really going to "teach a lesson" to this special needs child who doesn't understand what is happening? That's what my community thinks.
Ridiculous.
I hope the ACLU gets involved!
I think I am just equally outraged at public opinion of special needs children and education. I can't believe that people still believe that any child who is not "normal" shouldn't be allowed to receive and education and should be institutionalized, despite the level of disability. There were several people who actually stated that on a public message board. How can people not believe that disabled children deserve an education? There is so much ignorance out there, and it makes me really want to fight and advocate for other children.... despite the fact that I'm struggling to advocate for my own son right now. Will this ignorance and public perception ever really change or is it a losing battle?Not as long as they feel threatened that their child will get less attention ...It's frustrating that I should apply my tax dollars for a public school that they think my son doesn't have the right to attend.
Oh, here's another thing that was said about this particular news event in my town..... The child had just turned 18, although not of that age mentally. People feel like once a child turns 18, he shouldn't be in the school at all. If he hasn't learned everything he needs to know by then, he should be kicked out. I was shocked at this. My son will be 19 or 20 when he graduates IF he is able to continue his education without being held back anymore. Does that mean I should just take him out of school and forget his chances to an education?
Cindy - we had something happen where the same suggestions were made. I think if you search for "i can't believe this" It was one of my posts you can tell how silly the general population can be until they end up in a situation.