Parent of Excluded Special Education Student Seeks Reform

INDIANAPOLIS — An elementary school is facing criticism for excluding special education students from a Christmas program, leaving many parents heartbroken and calling for reform.

The holiday spirit at Parkview Elementary School in Bedford, Indiana, part of North Lawrence Community Schools, has been overshadowed by frustration and disappointment. McKenzie Beasley, the mother of a first grader with autism, discovered that her daughter and other special needs classmates were not included in the school’s Christmas festivities.

“I was scrolling on Facebook Monday night when I saw Parkview post about their first and second-grade Christmas program,” Beasley recounted. “I started asking other special education parents if their kids were involved, and they all said no.”

Beasley mentioned that there are 12 students in her daughter’s special education class, but she is uncertain how many others across similar classes were also excluded.

“I received a call from the superintendent who apologized, saying it was an oversight,” Beasley explained. “They expressed deep regret and assured me it would not happen again.”

The school addressed the situation with the following statement:

“Unfortunately, some students were excluded from participation, and we deeply regret this oversight. At Parkview Elementary, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment where every student feels valued and respected.”

However, Beasley suspects that this may not be an isolated incident at Parkview.

“This was shocking to our families and really everyone across the county because of how well they’ve treated us and our daughter,” Beasley stated.

Despite her anger and hurt over the situation, Beasley plans to keep her daughter enrolled at the school. Fishers Attorney Tom Blessing of Massillamany Jeter & Carson has represented students with disabilities and highlighted that this incident underscores a troubling pattern for vulnerable individuals.

“They unfortunately deal with these situations all too often,” Blessing remarked. “What’s particularly distressing about this case is that parents should never have to worry about their child being excluded from school activities.”

Blessing advised concerned parents that they can file complaints with the Office for Civil Rights or consult private attorneys regarding potential claims under the Americans with Disabilities Act or Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Looking ahead, Beasley hopes schools will provide parents with choices regarding their children's participation in events instead of making unilateral decisions.

“Inclusion is crucial for all special needs children,” Beasley emphasized. “When they know they have their peers around them and are included in activities they're permitted to join, it can significantly advance society.”