New Jersey Federal Judge Paves the Way for Discrimination of Disabled Students By Religious Schools

Noticed on DisabiltyScoop:

A law suit was brought to the Haddonfield Friends School in Haddonfield, N.J. by Angela Rota, of Cherry Hill, N.J. in 2014, on behalf of her son Sky, who is now 12.

“As a private school with religious affiliation with the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and under the control of the Haddonfield Monthly Meeting,” [Judge Joseph] Rodriguez said, “the school was exempt from the Americans with Disabilities Act.”

The judge ruled that “Quaker schools are not required to provide services to students with learning disabilities, and that the small Quaker school had not discriminated against a 10-year-old fourth grader with attention dysfunction and dyslexia who was expelled in January 2014.”

“[Rota] said Haddonfield Friends should not be able to claim a “blanket exemption” on religious grounds because the school was not overtly religious, welcomed students from multiple faiths, and made no attempt to convert them.”

Sky was evaluated by a professional and found that, although he was a bright child, he suffered from learning issues, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, difficulties with listening and writing skills and dyslexia.

Sky’s parents’ concerns and professionally recommended assistance were ignored by the school, including the requested extra time for tests and providing individual and small-group instruction when there were writing exercises.  Also included in the suit were charges that his teachers belittled him in class.

SOAP BOX:

I believe we should be on alert.  Our hard-won rights are being washed away like the ocean’s water takes the sand as the tide recedes.  The Scales of Justice are weighted against those who are not in strong positions.  The weak are being pushed down and aside, as ultra conservatives are gaining (and have gained) stronger positions.

Disabled and minority citizens are finding their rights are being ignored in favor of those officials’ views who have louder voices and more power.  The “powers that be” are feeling their power, and they are puffing out their chests.  There is more than one way to interpret our laws and our Constitution, and those people are going for the strictest interpretation in order to keep the masses “in their place.”

People PLEASE VOTE.  Voting is the only way to make sure our “representatives” listen to our voices.   If they don’t, then they will have a very short time in office indeed.  The ultra-conservatives want it their way.  Our lawful rights are being stripped.

Religious freedom DOES NOT MEAN only for the few.  We don’t need to have the religious beliefs of some citizens rammed down our throats if we are not of that persuasion.

Freedom from discrimination of our beliefs is one of the most basic ideals.  It is the reason the original colonists came to these shores.  They wanted to practice their religion without discrimination.  Unfortunately, religious discrimination has reared its ugly head here, now.

Other forms of discrimination are appearing in stronger voices.  Religion and disability are not the only victims.  Sexual orientation is another.  I say, let live.  People of different sexual persuasion have a right to live the way they desire.  Are they hurting you, conservatives?  They want to live in peace like everyone else.

Recently, some discriminatory state laws have been signed into law, and some are in the state legislatures and will most likely be signed into law by governors.

Don’t let this continue.  Wake up!  The foundation of our country is in peril – literally and figuratively.

 

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