A MCPS parent responds to The Washington Post article: Md. school official apologizes for reference to people with intellectual disabilities regarding Judy Docca's use of an offensive term at a public Board of Education meeting in July of 2017.
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To The Washington Post:
My name is Gena Mitchell and I am the parent of three daughters, one of which is a freshman in high school, has Down syndrome and has been a student in Montgomery County Schools since preschool. I am also an advocate for all individuals with disabilities, as the founder of a non-profit providing programs and events for not only the disability community but their communities at large, as well as having served on multiple boards since 2006 such as The Arc Montgomery County, DSNMC (Down Syndrome Network of Montgomery County and KEEN Greater DC. I am writing to you as both a parent of a child with a disability as well as a parent of a typical child in regards to your article about Dr. Judy Docca's use of the R-word. As appreciative as I am to your for bringing a spotlight to this situation, I feel it necessary to share my disappointed with the lack of focus on the failure by our very own Board of Education to lead by example when it comes to social responsibility. I feel that your headline is misleading in that I believe it suggests that Dr. Docca's apology was anywhere near acceptable, when it came four months after the fact, and only after being addressed by a parent in the community.
We all make mistakes, say and do things we regret which are sometimes hurtful; but those that take on the responsibility for speaking on behalf of, establishing policy for and representing the special needs community on the Committee of Special Populations for the MCPS BOE should certainly be held to a higher standard. If this is the person voting on behalf of my daughter and all students with disabilities when it comes to their best interests, please tell me how this should not disappoint me. If the BOE states Respect as a core value and "...fair treatment, honesty, openness and integrity are essential; and the diversity of our culture, interests, skills, and backgrounds is an asset that makes us stronger..."; How can I not be disappointed that a flimsy apology was given by a leader on the BOE and did not even respect the population that it was demeaning to by addressing it to them, rather omitting them completely from the apology?
If the BOE states Respect as a core value and "...we will model civility in all interactions and encourage candid conversations..."; How can I not be disappointed with the lack of ownership IMMEDIATELY following her comment in July 2017 when civility was disregarded in the first place?
My daughter and all others with disabilities deserve better; and so do their peers who are typical students. It is not acceptable in a classroom, playground, cafeteria, or anywhere in a school to use the R-word. Principals and teachers across the county are constantly working with school counselors and staff on messaging about treating others with dignity and respect, and that different does NOT equal less, whether that difference is a disability, race, religion, gender, etc. This is social responsibility, and yet the governing body of Montgomery County's educational system, who is "responsible for the direction and operation of the public school system" has chosen to NOT utter a single word in defense of it’s most vulnerable population when they are disparaged and the butt of a joke? In a formal BOE setting no less? I have no words. Imagine this having happened at a singular school- by a teacher or parent at an assembly or meeting. Imagine how quickly a letter or email would be sent to the entire community- most likely by the principal. I am pretty certain it would have been next day at the latest, and would condemn the use of this word in addition to any other derogatory slur. Their message would highlight the values of the community and show leadership. I believe we all make mistakes, myself included. That is why my husband and I have taught our girls that it's not about the mistakes you make- it's about what you do afterwards. That is how the BOE failed its students. How can I not be disappointed that our ten year olds are held to a higher standard than our Board of Education?
Again, I thank you for your article. Without it, Dr. Docca's words would simply be a blip in an archived video of a BOE meeting. Instead, they are loud and clear.
Pinpointed at the 41:20 mark in this video of the BOE meeting in July 2017, for all to see.
Warm regards, Gena Mitchell
