A school board member, Kevin Bartol, in Baraboo, Wisconsin, publicly questioned why public schools are open to students who are not"educable." Those students who are not educable should be sent to a place known as "elsewhere." Dr. Bartol, who is also a chiropractor, was quoted as stating that some students " may have their eyes open, but there's no one awake upstairs." Even when given an opportunity to retract or to clarify his statement Dr. Bartol refused to back off this unqualified ugly ill-informed stupidity.
One ignorant board member in a small town in Wisconsin is bad enough, but this story highlights a recurrent theme--children with special needs are under attack. Ignorance of the legal rights or the facts seems little deterrence. Moreover, how many other school board members, administrators and staff in districts around the country hold similar views, albeit they are more discrete about their public statements. Several years ago former Governor Terry Branstadt of Iowa was quoted as saying that money spent on special education was going down a "rat hole."
But getting back to Baraboo and Dr. Bartol, he apparently has not read the mission statement of the district which does not exclude students with special needs. Supposedly it celebrrates diversity of all students and values all achievements.
Given the fact that Kevin Bartol is a public figure and made his comments publicly, he deserves to hear from the public in Baraboo, and around the country, as to the offensive and repugnant drivel that he publicly espouses. Just maybe if there is enough positive attention directed in response to this issue, Kevin Bartol will be "educable." I suggest strongly if you email to keep it professional and proactive. His school email is [email protected]. The school board President is Kevin Vodak [email protected], and the School District Administrator is Lance Alwin [email protected].
you know he DID apologize for his statement, right?
Posted by: Mandy | June 16, 2006 at 03:06 PM
This Guy Ron Chin is a BIG TIME Loser!!!!
It is ignorant losers like Ron Chin who can't see the potential in any child but more so Children with Downs syndrome like any child have great potential if given the chance. Ignorant Teachers like Ron Chin ought to be fired for discrimination and taken out back and beat the hell out of them. The released to the dogs but they to might spit him out no worth waisting time with losers like Ron Chin
Mark Fuller
Posted by: Mark Fuller | January 26, 2008 at 07:50 PM
I could care less that he apologized the loser should never had made the comment in the first place.
What else is this loser doing to kids and further more what is he teaching these kids. If he can discriminate children with disabilities what is he teaching the children of today to hate or to segregate. Teachers shape minds and have a great influence on the development if children's minsds on how they view the world. He should not be in the position to teach his lousy values to young minds
He should be fired like I said.
Mark Fuller
Posted by: Mark Fuller | January 27, 2008 at 11:31 AM