I conveyed my view that the school is not yet fulfilling its mission with regard to all students, with particular reference to children with learning differences. This sentiment not only dismisses the validity of my concerns, but, by extension, also denigrates the worth of the children on whose behalf I advocate. It seems to me that our community is increasingly biased against some of our most innocent and vulnerable members children with learning differences. Like most types of prejudice, this bias is predicated on ignorance and fear. As to ignorance, I wonder how other parents can make judgements about the concerns I raise without knowing the specifics that compel me to speak up as I do.
Some kids are inferior and blight the standing of the institution.
While I have never suggested that SSFS become another Lab School and recognize that some children s needs exceed what this school is capable of doing, I do suggest that children who can do well here with the support of parents, administrators, teachers, and other resources, should not be stigmatized as less valuable human beings whose imperfections taint the reputation of the school. On the contrary, I would suggest that the reputation of SSFS as a caring, compassionate, nurturing community rests in large measure on how we treat each student. When my husband and I applied to SSFS on behalf of our children seven years ago, no one told us that the Mission Statement would apply only to some, but not to all of the students here. We assumed, perhaps incorrectly, that a truly Quaker school could be trusted to act upon its stated beliefs and principles. Perhaps athletic ability should determine who is valued and who is not .