University Decision To Withdraw Student With Down Syndrome Sparks Outcry

[The Straight Story]

University Decision To Withdraw Student With Down Syndrome Sparks Outcry



When officials at an Oregon university decided that a 20-year-old with Down syndrome could no longer audit a ceramics class, the woman’s peers responded in force.

Eliza Schaaf was auditing a ceramics course at Southern Oregon University until she received a letter from the school Nov. 8 indicating that her need for extensive one-on-one assistance “resulted in a disruption of curriculum delivery and interfered with the teaching and learning environment for the instructor and other students.” University officials informed Schaaf that as a result she would be withdrawn from the course.

That didn’t sit well with Schaaf’s classmates who said that she was not a disruption and that her inclusion added to their college experience. All 19 of the other students in Schaaf’s class signed a petition asking that she be allowed to remain in the course. What’s more, the university’s student senate voted to oppose the school’s decision.

Nonetheless, after an informal appeal from Schaaf’s family, university officials say they’re standing by their decision, reports The (Medford, Ore.) Mail Tribune. To read more click here and here.

http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2010/11/23/coed-down-syndrome-outcry/11373/

[KamaAina]

1. Massive ADA lawsuit in 3... 2... 1..

what part of "reasonable accommodation" don't these presumably degreed academics understand? :eyes:

[Cronus Protagonist]

3. I doubt that applies to a student who is not enrolled at the institution

They mention "auditing" repeatedly. I think that's important from a legal standpoint.

[CreekDog]

4. If they allow auditing, they must provide reasonable accomodation

so you're wrong.

[KamaAina]

5. Thank you!

Much like if they sponsored a public event like a lecture, and refused to provide a sign language interpreter for someone who is Deaf.

[burnsei sensei]

11. Even in a credit course, they must accommodate. nt

[friendly_iconoclast]

14. True. The University is about to hit by a Sotz Monster Maul of an ADA suit.

And they thoroughly earned it...

[Cronus Protagonist]

18. And you're being rather high-handed with your condemnation

Let's see how it plays out and we'll compare notes.

[CreekDog]

19. Quoting the law (ADA) and saying that a public university must uphold it

is not being high handed.

sorry you see it that way.

[bobbolink]

10. They will keep trying to get away with anything they can..... none of these "Acts" are in stone.

We must always be vigilant... and that is where we have fallen short.

Thank the goddess for her classmates... because *They* are the ones who have stood fast. How many other students are losing out because they don't have such caring classmates?

[blue_roses_lib]

2. Holy Shit.~~~

This kind of crap really pisses me off. :wtf: :grr:

[ZombieHorde]

7. The part which claimed every student in the class spoke out against this made me feel good. nt

[bobbolink]

12. They have probably saved her. And I doubt that any of her classmates use the "r" word.

Would that we would all take a lesson from those students!

[Angry Dragon]

6. I thought education was more than just learning from books and lectures

I guess I am just a naive individual.
This country pisses me off more and more everyday.

[dkf]

8. What is the relevance of changing status from non-admitted for credit to audit?

"In October, the family submitted to a university request to change Schaaf's status from a nonadmitted student for credit to an audit, Evans said. There was no warning that the university administration planned to remove Schaaf from the class, she said.

In the letter, O'Bryan stated that Schaaf's enrollment at SOU was a "novel situation" for the university.

"The non-admitted policy was not designed or intended to provide an avenue for participation to individuals who are not otherwise qualified for admission to SOU," O'Bryan wrote."

http://m.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101122/NEWS07/11220340/-1/NEWSMAP&template=wapart

It's also interesting there is no comment from the instructor.

[burnsei sensei]

9. If the student is involved in a course

or program of study that accords with her abilities, has paid tuition in good faith, then the institution has no business withdrawing her.
The Down's Syndrome should not be an issue. People with disabilities can be amazing in their resourcefulness, and where they might function as perfectly as a normal person in one situation, they may be severely hindered in another. Disability does not mean void of ability. It just means slightly selective abilities with some avenues cut off.

[bobbolink]

13. Thank you. That is a great explanation, and one we all need to take to heart!

:yourock:

[proud2BlibKansan]

15. You are correct

I'm not as familiar with this as I am with K-12 regs but I think by agreeing to admit her in the first place they became responsible for modifications and accommodations.

[lise]

16. unbelievable

I've taught DS students ceramics in the past (2 or 3 in a classes of 12 - 20 students).

Did they make the most blow your socks off ceramic projects? No.

Did they consume more of my one-on-one time than other students? NO.

Was their work ethic outstandng? YES.

Were they an inspiration to every other student in the class? YES.

Was I happy to have them in my clas? HELL YES.

I am Not.At.All surprised that the other students sided with this DS student. They are an absolute joy to have around and super hard workers.

[BrklynLiberal]

17. What a sad and misguided decision. Kudos to her classmates and the student senate.

[Hannah Bell]

20. it's good to hear that all her classmates stood up for her. i wouldn't necessarily have expected it