Wendy Portillo's Psychological Mob Lynching of a 5 Year Old

Autism: Behaviors like Rocking and Flapping from CS on Vimeo.

The above video was made to reference a case in New England that occurred in September of 2007. In this particular case, a young middle school boy with Asperger's Syndrome was beaten up after he got off the bus by a group of other children and it was filmed by another child. In this case, the school system put the children on suspension. That case highlights a larger question about human mob mentality and where children learn to devalue lives of people of difference. Thus I think it appapro to the case of Alex Barton.

Mrs. Wendy Portillo is a Kindergarten teacher at Morningside Elementary, in Port St. Lucie Florida. On Wednesday April 21st, 2008, Mrs. Portillo likely caused permanent emotional scarring of one of her 5 year old students. In a story by Colleen Wixon of the TCPalm, Mrs. Portillo led her class in a "Survivor" type vote to exclude Alex Barton from the class. The 5 year old was placed in front of the class and each student was allowed to say what they didn't like about Alex (reportedly telling Alex he was disgusting and annoying) and then a vote was taken on whether Alex should be allowed to be included in the classroom or not. By a 14 to 2 margin, the students voted Alex out of the class. He was then sent to the nurse's office. When Alex's mother, Melissa Barton came to pick him up, she found Alex "shaken-up".

The following night (Thursday), Alex's mother, Melissa, overheard Alex saying "I'm not special" over and over again. According to his mother, Alex is reliving the incident. Mrs. Barton stated "He was incredibly upset" and "The only friend he has ever made in his life was forced to do this".

One fact that makes what Ms. Portillo did especially egregious is that since February, Ms. Portillo has known that Alex was undergoing an evaluation by the school system in St. Lucie County for a disability covered under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ("IDEA"). The IDEA is a law ensuring that students with disabilities receive services throughout the nation. Alex was being evaluated for possibly having Asperger's Syndrome, one of the five pervasive developmental disorders associated with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. The IDEA requires that the school system evaluate the child and if found to have a covered disability, an IEP (Individual Education Program) is to be created by a team. The team consists of the child's teacher (for Alex it was Ms. Portillo), a special education teacher, parents, and the school's specialized professionals such as a speech pathologist, occupational therapists etc. According to reports, Ms. Portillo had been participating with the IEP team since Alex was identified as a child possibly covered under IDEA.

I find it incredible that Ms. Portillo, knowing that Alex most likely had a disability affecting his ability to communicate and socialize in a typical way, would nonetheless do exactly what is possibly the worst thing she could do and that is to subject him to public humiliation and to teach the other children the dynamics and acceptability of a mob bullying. Even if Alex didn't have a disability, the implications of what Ms. Portillo did is nothing short of outrageous. What she did was aggressive and anti-social. She used her authority to organize what was essentially a psychological mob lynching of a five year old.

Mrs. Barton has attempted to find redress with Morningside Elementary's resource officer. According to Michelle Steele, the spokeswoman of the Port St. Lucie Department, an investigation was done and the state attorney's office concluded the matter did not meet the criteria for emotional child abuse!

MS. PORTILLO'S EGREGIOUS VIOLATIONS

Violations of Florida's Child Abuse Law

According to Florida law code 39.202, 205; 39.201; 39.01 (2), emotional abuse is defined as "Willful or threatened act resulting in physical, mental, or sexual injury or harm, causing or likely to cause impairment of physical, mental or emotional health". Apparently, the state attorney felt that marching a 5 year old in front of a class to allow his classmates to denigrate him and then to exclude him from the learning environment was neither "willful" on Ms. Portillo's part nor likely to cause an emotional impairment for Alex. How the state's attorney came to that conclusion is simply mind boggling. The facts are that a public humiliation of a small child occurred, the child was "shaken up" and unable to attend the school and was heard repeating "I'm not special" which indicates to me that he has internally processed the exact message Ms. Portillo intended (i.e. that he is not a good person). Ms. Portillo has created a hostile environment for Alex in his classroom and thus I believe has created a "willful act resulting in mental harm and causing an impairment of emotional health".

Violations of Florida law HB 669

On April 30, 2008, the governor of Florida signed into law an anti-bully measure titled HB 669-School Safety, Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up for All Students Act". I believe Ms. Portillo has violated the following sections of this law: According to section 1006.147 (2), (2a) (3a), Florida Statutes, Bullying and Harrassment of any student or school employee of a public K-12 educational institution is prohibited; (2a) During any education program or actiity conducted by a public k-12 educational institution is prohibited; (2b) During any school-related or school-sponsored program or activity or on a school bus of a public K-12 educational institution; (3) (3a) For purposes of this section (a) bullying means systematically and chronically inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress on one or more students and may involve: Teasing; Social Exclusion: Threat, Intimidation: Stalking: Physical violence: Theft: Sexual or racial harassment: Public Humiliation; or Destruction of property; (3b) Harrassment means any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture including written and verbal conduct directed against a student or school employee that: 1. Places a student or school employee in reasonable fear of harm to his or her person; 2 Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operaton of a school. The definitions for bullying and harassment included in HB 669 that Ms. Portillo is likely to have commented are the following: in section (3d) include 2. "Perpetuation of conducted listed in paragraph (a) or paragraph (b) by an individual or group with intent to demean, dehumanize, embarrass, or cause physical harm to a student or school employee, by incitement or coercion and 4. "Acting in a manner that has an effect substantially similar to the effect of bullying or harassment."

The following facts are clear and not in contention according to the TCPalm report. Ms. Portillo, admitted that she held Alex out in front of the class ( 2a: during any education program or activity and incitement or coercion), encouraged his classmates to participate in an exercise to cause public humiliation (by asking the students to identify him in derogatory ways) in violation of 3a (inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress on one or more students), 3b (Harrassment means any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture including written and verbal conduct directed against a student) and 4 (Acting in a manner that has an effect substantially similar to the effect of bullying or harassment). Finally, Ms. Portillo allowed the "mob" she created to exclude Alex from an appropriate educational setting in violation of 3b2 (has the effect of substantially interfering with a student's educational performance, opportunities, or benefits).

In a review of how HB 669 defines bullying (means systematically and chronically inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress on one or more students), Ms. Portillo seems to have violated nearly half of the 10 definitions of bullying in HB 669. She committed the following in accordance with the definition:

1. Teasing
2. Social exclusion
4. Intimidation
9. Public humiliation

Investigators should look into whether she has chronically committed acts listed above more than once in order to establish a violation under the definition. If I were a betting man, I'd bet that she has.

It's unfortunate that Ms. Portillo's acts didn't occur after he was formally identified as qualifying under IDEA because she has violated multiple rules under the IDEA.

Violation of The Florida State Board of Education Rules on Ethics

Ms. Portillo violated basic ethical tenants that are outlined by the State of Florida Board of Education. In particular, Ms. Portillo violated Rule 6B-1.006, FAC. By bringing Alex in front of other students, and subjecting him to group humiliation, as well as giving tacit permission to the students to harass Alex, she violated the Ethics Code that teachers place themselves under when they apply for a Florida Teacher's Certificate.

The Code of Ethics and the Principles of Professional Conduct of the Education Profession in Florida (as published by the Florida Education Standards Commission) states the following:

The State Board of Education Rule 6B-1.006, FAC:

1) The following disciplinary rule shall constitute the Principles of Professional Conduct of the Education Profession in Florida.

2) Violation of any of these principles shall subject the individual to revocation or suspension of the individual educator's certificate, or the other penalties as provided by law.

3) Obligation to the student requires that the individual:

a) Shall make reasonable effort to protect the student from conditions harmful to learning and/or the student's mental and/or physical health and/or safety.

e) Shall not intentionally expose the student to unnecessary embarrassment or disparagement.

g) Shall not harass or discriminate against any student on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefts, marital status, handicapping condition, sexual orientation, or social and family background and shall make reasonable effort to assure that each student is protected from harassment or discrimination.

In Obligation 5 (Obligation to the profession), Section D states: Shall not engage in harassment or discriminatory conduct which reasonably interferes with an individual's performance of professional or work responsibilities or with the orderly process of education or which creates a hostile, intimidating, abusive, offensive, or oppressive environment; and further, shall make reasonable effort to assure that each individual is protected from such harassment or discrimination.

According to State Board of Education Rule 6B-1.001 FAC: 1) The educator values the worth and dignity of every person, the pursuit of truth, devotion to excellence, acquisition of knowledge, and the nurture of democratic citizenship. Essential to the achievement of these standards are the freedom to learn and to teach and the guarantee of equal opportunity for all.

2) The educator's primary professional concern will always be for the student and for the development of the student's potential. The educator will therefore strive for professional growth and will seek to exercise the best professional judgement and integrity.

Violation of Port St. Lucie's Mission Statement

The St. Lucie County Public Schools has a mission statement and it explicitly states: "The schools of the St. Lucie County School District in partnership with parents and community will become premier centers of knowledge that are organized around students and the work provided to them. St. Lucie County School District's name will be synonymous with the continuously improving student achievement and the success of each individual. Our school district's promise is to move from good to great focusing on our core business, the creation of challenging, engaging and satisfying work for every stuent, every day. This is the St. Lucie way!" Somehow I doubt the school system would consider the actions of Ms. Portillo (creating a humiliating and dehumanizing environment for a kindergartener and subjecting him to the "mob" mentality) is in accordance with the school system's mission statement.

Violation of FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)

I must say though that Alex's rights under the Family and Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) were apparently violated by the school district itself. FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of student educational records and applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education. According to TCPalm's report, the school resource officer Michelle Steele released some of Alex's personal education records when she stated "Steele said the boy had been sent to the principal's office because of disciplinary issues." This is information that would be a part of his school records and thus protected under FERPA.

If the school district cannot abide by Federal Law itself, what can possibly be expected of them to hold Ms. Portillo accountable? Time will tell. The initial response has been rather bland and unextraordinary.

The Digital Journal highlights an important question in this case when they ask:

"Exactly what is being taught when a child - any child- is verbally attacked by classmates and then excluded? This is the mentality of reality television shows, and has no place in school. Deliberately subjecting a child to verbal abuse and rejection is a violation of the trust that teachers are given by parents, a violation of the most basic ethics we expect from anyone who has children under their care."

It's not unusual for autistic people to suffer from abuse and bullying, in fact it's the norm. When it comes at the hands of a trusted public servant such as a teacher, it's doubly hurtful because we expect an adult to know better. But when a teacher solicits participation of a group of 5 year olds in what is essentially a psychological mob lynching, one can legitimately conclude that this person should not be around any children at all. She "raped" a child of his dignity and has created an atmosphere of exclusion, intimidation and fear. This type of act on the part of Ms. Portillo shouldn't be allowed to happen again and anyone who cares about the psychological lives of children should demand her immediate and unconditional resignation. If she refuses, she should be fired. There should be no second chances in a situation such as this.

If you would like to send a message to the school board, the principal, the county school system, the media, and the Florida State's Attorney, I have created a customized letter that you can use by clicking on the links below. You can modify it to your liking. Let's send a message that no second chances are warranted in this situation.

"Take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented." - Elie Wiesel

Update: 5/27/08 12:30pm - According to the Fort Pierce Tribune, Ms. Portillo has been reassigned on an interim basis to administrative offices and removed from the classroom pending investigation. Worldwide outrage over what happened to Alex and no doubt a deluge of letters and emails has caused the school to reevaluate its position because as of last Friday, nothing had been done, two days after the incident took place. Ms. Barton stated in the comments that the school system didn't seem to be taking the matter seriously. I know this website has been viewed, and letters downloaded thousands of times since it was first posted. Countless good hearted people were moved to outrage over this incident. I would urge those who are just coming to this story to continue to send letters and emails to the officials below. The school year has just about ended and there will be competing interests involved in this situation. The school system needs to know that while they decided to move in the proper direction (albeit only through public pressure) that we still intend to follow through to make sure that if the investigation confirms what was in the original complaint, that Ms. Portillo needs to be removed from the classroom permanently as this situation does not deserve a second chance. My concern is that Ms. Portillo will simply be moved to another school in the Fall and that would send the wrong message to others that would bully children. I also hope the State Board of Education, that has the power to revoke a teaching license will also follow up with an investigation. The State's Attorney needs to explain his/herself as to why this incident did not meet the emotional abuse statute outlined above and how in one day they could make that determination. Can a proper investigation be done by the State's Attorney in a day? I don't see how that is possible. This situation warrants a thorough and thoughtful investigation and I'm concerned that neither was done. Children's emotional well being should not be treated in what appears to be such a flippant manner.

Pattern of Abuse in the St. Lucie County School District

Added: May 28, 2008 at 9:00pm: The St. Lucie County School system seems to have a history of hiring employees who abuse children. In September of 2007, an aide, Ms. Belinda Daniels, hired to help disabled students on they're bus, is facing felony charges of child abuse after alleging hitting a 7 year old boy. Apparently what precipitated the incident was the young boy dropping his bookbag on the floor of the bus. The bus Ms. Daniels was working on was equipped with recorded video monitors. The aide, Belinda Daniels, is heard on the bus video say "Boy, what did you do?" Get in that seat." according to Cherie Lucas of the Port St. Lucie Police. Ms. Lucas states that Daniels "reaches into the seat where the victim was, and she 'swats" something in the seat, but you cannot actually see what her hand connects with? Lucas said one witness reportedly saw Daniels' hand make contact with the victim. Lucas states "Daniels then yanked the victim up and 'roughly' put him in the seat." At the time of the press report, some 14 days afterward (and despite the district being aware of a police investigation being conducted based on witness testimony and video from the bus), Ms. Daniels was still an employee of the Port St. Lucie School System according to district spokesperson Janice Karst when contacted by the press.

The TCPalm discovered that Ms. Daniels was arrested in 1985 on a fraud charge and convicted and another charge of fraud brought against her in 1994 by an employer was dropped. When confronted with the criminal history of Ms. Daniels, Ms. Karst (school spokesperson) was reported as stating "Convicted felons aren't eligible for employment with the district, but those with misdemeanor convictions can be hired depending on what the misdemeanor was and if the applicant is forth coming with the information. Like Portillo, Daniels also showed school records showing "generally high evaluations" dating back several years and a 2003 evaluation notes she's a "very compassionate and caring individual." According to Officer Lucas, "I believe in my mind that any reasonable person looking at that video would believe that child was struck. It substantiated everything that the original witness, the complainant, told me." The school never bothered to remove Daniels from the bus until the TCPalm exposed the story, also similar to the current Portillo incident. To see Daniels arrest record click here.

Look to this website for an investigative report on systemic abuse occurring under St. Lucie County School's Superintendent Michael Lannon here. A story of drunkard's in charge of special education teaching and physical abuse allegations.

Download SchoolPrincipal.doc email is cullym@stlucie.k12.fl.us

Download SchoolSuperintendent.doc email is lannonm@stlucie.k12.fl.us

Download SchoolBoardChairman.doc email is hilsonc@stlucie.k12.fl.us

Download St.LucieStatesAttorney.doc

Download WFLXnews.doc email is rleigh@wflx.com

Download WPTVnews.doc email is newstips@wptv.com

Download WPBFnews.doc

Download FloridaDepartmentofEducation.doc email: commissioner@fldoe.org

Comments

[Angela]

AWESOME! I have used your form letter and thank you for posting this!

[Niksmom]

Excellent! i will be adding a link to this on my blog. BTW, as I understand it, HB-699 doesn't take effect until 12/01/2008...not that it changes anything, really.

I was horrified to read the comments on the TCPalm site; some people actually think she did a GOOD thing. ARGH!

[Cheryl]

I don't understand how a teacher can be so heartless and not think about the long-term ramifications her actions will have on this child's life.

http://www.alittlechaostheory.com/2008/05/25/my-worst-nightmare/

[mom]

Thank you.
Alex is too young now but someday he will understand what perfect strangers have done for him.

I haven’t stopped crying since I found out what happened to my son and the children of his class. How could this happen? Why Alex? I am one person, just the one parent Alex has. I am married, but he will never know what it is like to have his real dad play football or watch his plays at school. He has no idea what it is like to actually call someone dad.

His life is far from what I planned it to be when I first heard him cry 5 years ago. Though I work very hard for everything he has material in this world. I feel like every step forward we take there is always a step back. This year we had a first, he said I love you and gave me a hug out of the blue  I cried the moment he did this, see usually he wipes off kisses and pulls from hugs. I now know god gave me this to remind me that there is hope for us too. Yesterday he offered me part of his bottled water….this may seem like nothing to other parents but it provided me with the strength to make it through the moment.

Thank you for what all you kind strangers, but my eternal brothers & sisters, are doing for Alex.
Melissa Barton
PROUD MOM.

[CS]

Ms. Barton,

I'm an individual with Asperger's Syndrome and I had something similar happen to me in kindergarten so Alex's situation has a special place in my heart. I just read on Jonathan Turley's blog that he believes you have a good case to sue based on not only negligence but an intentional infliction of emotional distress. Mr. Turley is a famous lawyer that you probably have seen on TV. He's a legal correspondent for many of the major networks. You can find his blog here:
http://jonathanturley.org/2008/05/25/teacher-accused-of-public-humiliation-of-five-year-old-autistic-child/

[Angela]

Melissa,

I want you to know that you are not alone. As an ASD mom I wish I could just reach through the computer and give you a huge hug! There are many of us out here that feel the same way... google your son's name and I hope that will warm your heart.

Many prayers and love to you and your family,
Angela
http://memoirsofachaoticmommy.blogspot.com

[mom]

cyber hugs to all.

THANK YOU BOTH FOR YOUR COMMENTS.

[Barbara Curtis]

Thank you so much for this thorough treatment of the problem and action plan. I have linked at my blog www.mommylife.net.

Dear Melissa - my readers have been writing me and asking what we can do to help. One would like for us to send cards to Alex to let him know there are LOTS of us who think he's special. Would you please contact me so we can start this as soon as possible? Also, I'd like to do an interview for my readers, who are very sympathetic. Please email me through my blog.

[Stacy]

Thank you for the addresses an additional information. I have linked to your article in my blog
http://uponeagleswings.blogspot.com/
I'm so glad you posted e-mail addresses and the format letter. I e-mailed the three school officials on the list.

[Phil Schwarz]

Ms. Barton, Christschool --

There are two heroes in this story who maybe should get a lot more recognition: the two kids who voted *against* kicking Alex out of class.

Is there some way we can send messages to let them know they did the right thing -- and messages of support and recognition to their parents, for having raised their kids in a way conducive to their deciding to do the right thing?

Also, the state attorney's office was clearly in error to conclude that there was not an actionable abuse case in what happened to Alex. Can someone shed light on what the process is to appeal such a conclusion, or on what entity in state government has oversight over the state attorney's office and decisions of this kind that it makes?

[mom]

hello,

The investigation is far from over DCF is still on the case. I prey they do the right thing here.

As for the 2 kids....My son has stopped speaking about the class at this time. However, I am in contact with a parent whos child may be able to tell us more then Alex can. The other child is very upset that Portillo made her do this to Alex and is suffering.

I am planning a summer party for the kids if I can reach all the parents. The kids need healing now. Noone from the school has offered any one child of the class help getting over the abuse. As I see it they are pretending like it did not even happen.

[CS]

"As I see it they are pretending like it did not happen."

Melissa, I think they are in for a rude awakening tomorrow (prepare yourself). The story has circulated all over the world judging by the site statistics I have. I've found links to this story all over the internet and now if you search google for Wendy Portillo, this blog is the first hit. It's on DailyKos (one of the biggest internet sites on the planet). People are reaching out and feeling the repugnancy of this act and recognizing the true danger of having this person in a class. This post is getting hundreds of hits every hour. People are rallying to Alex and your side. The power of people's feelings for children is simply amazing to watch.

[AM]

Ms. Barton,

I am soooo upset about this whole situation and I wish the very best for you and your son. That teacher shouldn't have a job right now, and the fact that they didn't fire her on the spot shows that they have absolutely no clue what is a good and appropriate way to teach children to treat each other with kindness and acceptance. Your story was posted on a parenting messageboard that I frequent and I thought you might be interested to read what all the other mom's (some of them with autistic children) have said about this case, I think it might encourage you in the fight ahead.
http://forums.ovusoft.com/tm.asp?m=9252214&p=1&tmode=1

[Helen]

You' re a great mom, Melissa, and you deserve lots of hugs and kisses from your brave little boy!
The teacher is a complete disgrace and should be sent home.

[sabotabby]

Ms Barton,

I am on my way to being a teacher (only a few short weeks to go!). During my first classroom placement, I met a young man with Asperger's Syndrome who made such an impression on me that I decided to take a qualification in Special Education. I've sent this story to a group of my soon-to-be-Spec. Ed-teacher colleagues—maybe we can do a mass e-mailing.

It's so disgusting that a teacher would act like this. It's nothing less than abusive. I wish you and Alex the very best. He may have had a horrible kindergarten teacher, but he's lucky to have such a good mom who's willing to fight for him.

[Ms. Barton]

Ms. Barton,

This is Scott Michael Robertson from The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (http://www.autisticadvocacy.org). Those of us at ASAN and our colleagues and friends in the autistic and autism communities worldwide were extremely disturbed to hear about the very heinous treatment Alex received by his kindergarten teacher, Ms. Portillo.

Since circulating an alert about the incident on our email lists and website a couple of days ago, we have received messages from all across the U.S. and around the world (from countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia) decrying Ms. Portillo's actions.

I was bullied myself for much of my primary and secondary schooling years by peers, and, in some cases, teachers. I still feel much of the pain today as a 27 year-old adult. It deeply anguishes me as an autistic person to continue to hear about vicious acts of bullying committed against autistic students in our school systems.

Some of ASAN's members would like to email you to express our support for you and for Alex. Please email me at srobertson@autisticadvocacy.org if it would be ok with you for our members to communicate with you via email.

Thank you.

Scott Michael Robertson

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network,
Vice President
http://www.autisticadvocacy.org

[Chelle]

I am appalled at what Ms. Portillo did and cannot believe she still has a job. My son is autistic and is mainstreamed into a regular third grade class. Reading what happened to Alex just breaks my heart. We have met with nothing but kindness from all of the children in my son's elementary school, but his teacher last year subjected him to discrimination based on his autism, in my opinion. I don't know how some of these people get teaching licenses.

I am willing to bet that Ms. Portillo is out of a job tomorrow, as is the resource teacher who concluded that she did nothing wrong AND the state's attorney who decided nothing wrong occurred. Alex is going to have LOTS and LOTS of support. Melissa, you need to find a good attorney and sue the teacher, the resource teacher, the school system, and the state's attorney. Obviously many laws were broken.

I wish Alex the best. My heart goes out to you.

Chelle

[Chelle]

I am appalled at what Ms. Portillo did and cannot believe she still has a job. My son is autistic and is mainstreamed into a regular third grade class. Reading what happened to Alex just breaks my heart. We have met with nothing but kindness from all of the children in my son's elementary school, but his teacher last year subjected him to discrimination based on his autism, in my opinion. I don't know how some of these people get teaching licenses.

I am willing to bet that Ms. Portillo is out of a job tomorrow, as is the resource teacher who concluded that she did nothing wrong AND the state's attorney who decided nothing wrong occurred. Alex is going to have LOTS and LOTS of support. Melissa, you need to find a good attorney and sue the teacher, the resource teacher, the school system, and the state's attorney. Obviously many laws were broken.

I wish Alex the best. My heart goes out to you.

Chelle

[Dave from queens]

I blog at Dailykos.

I will try to keep the original diary on the rec list and update with all the new information, contact info, etc...

Almost all of us, regardless of political party, are with Melissa and Alex on this.

[Samantha]

As a special education teacher I am absolutely appalled at what I have read! I am deeply disturbed that a teacher would do this. Indeed, all the children in the class need healing. And they need a new teacher! I am praying for you and for your child. I am so, so sorry this happened to your son.

[Kyara]

Good lord this is horrific. I'm not even in the states and I'm sending letters as we speak.

[angela]

I Cant believe this kind of ignorance is still going on. I am so angry. My son is three and was diagnosed with Autism. I am so sorry about what has happened to this beautiful little boy. My prayers and support are with you!

[lauren stephens]

what that b!tch did was a hate crime and involving other children is child abuse. i hope the money you get from this is HUGE. my 8 year old is ADD, PDD and ASD and the schools here in wisconsin are SO wonderful. this would never happen here.

[NM]

As the father of a child with Asperger's Syndrome who is in kindergarten, this story really hit home for me and made me so angry, and sad. I can't imagine how painful it was for Alex, and Melissa. AS kids can be difficult, but in many ways they are true gems, and for this teacher to do what she did to him in unforgiveable. My prayers and virtual hugs to Alex and Melissa.

[philcommander]

This is when you are at your best my friend.
Keep fighting this fight...we need you.
All of us...

[Rachel]

It is so good to see so many taking whatever action they can. I expect to see a news story tomorrow stating that Wendy Portillo has been fired from her job and will never - especially after all this publicity - be able to find a job teaching children anywhere again.

I hope and pray that she is made an example of to prevent other teachers from displaying the same disgusting behavior.

[Lawrence Cruz]

Dear Ms. Barton,

My wife and I were in shock to hear about this on the news this morning, as our 5 yr old son is autistic and we understand how you must feel. As an attorney, I am further shocked that the supervisors of the teacher and the state's attorney would so ridiculously attempt to dimsiss the incident and to shield the teacher. As usual, dollars and politics are the root of injustice. How outrageous- you can get fired for merely saying something that someone thinks is offensive based on race, gender etc, yet you blatantly and cruelly abuse a special needs child and keep your job! Don't give up on this battle, you should easily win once a sane person is residing over the proceedings. And it is an important cause that will set precedent for all of us.

Please give your son a hug from our family.

Lawrence Cruz
in Connecticut

[sarah]

I'm vibrating with anger as I read this. I am a third year medical student, and even at my early level of medical education I can see the serious harm that has been done in this situation -- to all 17 children, though most especially to Alex. It's sickening, utterly sickening.

I've sent out letters this morning. I hope they do some good. My prayers are with this family.

[mnfiddledragon]

Thank you for posting your templates and addresses. I've linked here from my journal as well, and will be sending letters.

I can only imagine how I would feel if I were in Alex's mom's place, and know I would be more than livid with the teacher, the district, and apparently the state for saying that this wasn't legally emotional abuse. Excuse me? I don't think so.

[M. Alexis Seguin]

Dear Melissa,
I am praying for you and Alex. I know this is a very very hard time for you. I have a 5 yr old with developmental-delays autism spectrum. We decided to home school for fear that the teacher would not adjust her teaching style to his strengths and that he might experience bullying from his peers. Never did I imagine that he might be abused by his teacher in the way Alex was. Alex needs to know that he is special and valuable just the way God made him. Besides my own child, I have worked with Asperger's children. They do need to be handled a little differently. I find that they need extra positive reinforcement and to be treated with extra love since so often they are already insecure from negative comments from peers and from their differences not being understood. Working towards their strengths and their interests, I have seen "difficult" children start to shine in class. Obviously, the teacher missed that concept. As a single mom, I imagine it would be difficult to impossible for you to homeschool Alex. I really feel for you and wish there were more I could do to help you. But know that we are praying for you and Alex.

[Noel Christoforo]

Wow! I am struggling for words to express my disbelief at the actions of the School District and the State to Wendy Portillo's exercise in bullying and discrimination.

This woman should be immediately fired, her teaching license permanently revoked and have legal action taken against her. Especially in light of the fact that she was well aware of Alex's disability.

I hope that the other parents in Alex's classroom have also contacted the school and insisted that Wendy Portillo be immediately removed from the classroom.

Had my child been forced to participate in a classroom exercise such as this, my child would not be returning to that teacher's classroom. Period.

Contact the other parents in Alex's class. Let them know what their children have been taught. If Wendy Portillo is not removed from the classroom, perhaps the entire class needs to be "sick" until she is.

[Jill, Carter's Mommy]

I've sent a letter to Ms. Portillo, the school and the mayor of the county. As the parent of a toddler on the spectrum, this story is like the realization of my worst fears. All you can hope is that your child will be treated with love and respect by his peers; to hear of an educator leading those peers in what is essentially a modern day lynching is almost too much to bear. Mrs. Barton, I'm so sorry for the pain you are going through because of this situation. So many people are behind you and Alex from all over the country (we are in NY) and we all wish you the best.

[KTS]

Ms. Barton,

Thank you so much for sharing this story with us. As the parent of a child who is being currently undergoing assessment, I am shocked and appalled by this teacher's heartlessness.

I hope that this allows other parents to be aware and be proactive in their child's development because no child, autistic or not, deserves such scrutiny.

You and your son are in my thoughts. I hope that Ms. Portillo loses her credential for this. I don't care what the school district says, this is uncalled for.

[D. Crown]

This same thing happened to me forty years ago, way before I was diagnosed with AS. It stayed with me for a verrry long time. The one thing that might have made a difference in my life would have been if there had been consequences for the teacher--something that made it abundantly clear to me that I was the wronged one. Don't let the teacher, the school, the district get away with this.

[D. Crown]

This same thing happened to me forty years ago, way before I was diagnosed with AS. It stayed with me for a verrry long time. The one thing that might have made a difference in my life would have been if there had been consequences for the teacher--something that made it abundantly clear to me that I was the wronged one. Don't let the teacher, the school, the district get away with this.

[Ammey & mikel kohen]

My sons are both on the higher functioning end of the Autism Spectrum. In their public education, they have had to endure painful treatment from staff and students that they still perseverate on to this day. My heart is hurting with all of you that understand so well how there needs to be reform, training and acountability in the public educational system. As parents, we should not be praying every year that our child gets a teacher that will follow laws and protect our children. I find kids with Aspergers or high Functioning Autism are very frequently mistreated because people do not believe in the diagnosis, instead judging behaviors and issues as wilfull or lazy or disgusting. Ignorance is no excuse for this kind of treatment of anyone.

[Michelle (The Beartwinsmom)]

I have written a blog post about this at my blog http://beartwinsmom.wordpress.com The title is "How would you vote?" There are a TON of people rallying for Alex's support, Melissa. I hope that Ms. Portillo will not be allowed to be near kids again.

My prayers and hugs are with you and Alex.

Huge thanks for this blog's author's INCREDIBLE research and information! I will be adding this to my list.

Warm regards,
Michelle aka The Beartwinsmom

[Tara]

Ms Barton,

I am mother to two boys on autistic spectrum and very likely have Asperger's syndrome myself. Thank you for fighting a good fight - I personally did not have your courage and confronted with similar (although much more subtle) issues I pulled my older son from mainstream public school environment and started homeschooling him.

I'll keep Alex and yourself in my thoughts and this time I'll be out of my AS closet and sending those e-mails out.

[Joel V]

Ms. Barton,

I just read about the incident a few minutes ago. Immediately, I felt it necessary to send an email to the superintendent & principal of your son's (former) school. While searching for addresses I encountered half a dozen sites that are already mobilizing in response to what happened. The response will only grow exponentially from here.

You and your son may have a tough road ahead, but you have thousands of passionate and rationally minded people behind you.

Hugs and courage from U of Toronto.

[Brian]

Anyone care to let Ms. Wendy Portillo know what the world thinks of her? Here's her work e-mail:

portillow@stlucie.k12.fl.us

[fan0ffacts]

As a mother of two autistic children, sons on both ends of the spectrum, I can't begin to thank you enough for making this information available to all of us. This is one tiny glimpse into the roller coaster "ride of a life" journey that children with special needs are forced to be strapped into without any say whatsoever.
First the medical establishment abuses them...and on to the school system...
Let us pray for enlightenment for the ignorant and punishment for the wicked...

[cd]

My heart is breaking for you and your beautiful little boy, Melissa. My son is ASD and just finishing second grade, and the idea of that happening to any child, let alone a disabled child like ours, makes me ill.

Get a lawyer, get more press, and make sure that woman gets what is coming to her. In spades. I wish you and your baby all the best.

[concerned]

Can you put the e-mail address of the State's Attorney? I've sent emails to the school, but would also like this to be followed up by the judicial system. Thanks.

[concerned]

Can you put the e-mail address of the State's Attorney? I've sent emails to the school, but would also like this to be followed up by the judicial system. Thanks.

[fan0ffacts]

http://doepartnership.usf.edu/

This is the website of the Florida Center for Autism and Related Disabilities resource and training information page. ASD programs are fully funded through the Florida legislature and I am curious to know which of any of the kindergarten teachers at Morningside School attended training and received certification to work with children with this diagnosis.

If the answer is zero this would be a good place to start- to find a school that participates with the program.
Best of luck, I have already written to the director about this issue and included Alex's story.

[Chelsea Budde]

As mothers of three children with autism spectrum disorders in public elementary schools, we are keenly aware of the potential for disability harassment. This horrible situation with Alex Barton is a classic and most heart-breaking case.

Wendy Portillo stands on the horizon as a black mark on acceptance. Sadly, she has been allowed to teach children to stand alongside her.

We formed Good Friend, Inc., a nonprofit, to teach acceptance, not exclusion. We have responded to the U.S. Department of Education’s warning about disability harassment (“Dear Colleague” letter, 2000) with a peer sensitivity video and curriculum for educators, support staff, and students. By increasing awareness of how a student with autism might act, and offering an explanation of why that might be the case, we eradicate the negativity associated with behaviors. With tips on supporting inclusion, we encourage acceptance. With interactive demonstrations, we foster empathy for students with autism by having their peers and educators “walk in their shoes.”

We encourage all school districts – but especially St. Lucie County Public Schools – to bring Good Friend’s awareness-acceptance-empathy message into their elementary schools.

For more information, visit www.goodfriendinc.com

[katie duzan]

My son (ASD) is not even three, but when I hear about things like this, it absolutely terrifies me.

Melissa, I wish nothing but the best for you and Alex.

It was a vicious act by a horrible person, there is nothing more to it. I can't imagine what would possess any adult to treat a child like that, let alone a teacher...

You and Alex have brought an important issue to light - how our society treats the weakest of our members - those with disabilities.

My thoughts and prayers are with you both. May you be comforted by the thought that so many think Alex is a wonderful, handsome, special child who we all obviously care about very much.

[Allyson]

Doesanyone know this chick's phone number? I have been trying to look it up in the white pages and I can only find a Wendy Portillo 140 miles from Port Lucie, FL and I know that can't be her. I want to give her some harrassment of my own. This chick just needs to burn in hell. And by the way, what criteria does this school district use to hire their teachers anyway? What kind of background checks do they do?
Great point about the violation of the bullying law. Bullying just doesn't apply to students vs. students it also includes staff against student. I am appalled but not surprised that this kind of thing occurs. I have a five year old son with PDD-NOS which is a notch below aspergers who is beginning kindergarten next year. I am scared to death this kind of thing will happen to my own son. Keep up the good work. I am in Kansas City, Missouri on three different autism listserves and I have already recieved this news article 9 times today so obviously people are taking notice.

Thanks!!

An infuriated parent who wants to see this teacher burned at the stake!!!!!!!!!!

[Sue Doe-Nim]

I have a total blog crush on you now.

You're so grown up... I just rant and rave and call them names. Now I think I'll call them. At home.

They're all listed.

[manijeh]

My Son is Autistic and what she did is horrible. I can't help but think that in some unconsious way she projected the way our society has treated blacks through history onto this different outcasted child. Interesting that this blog is called a psychological mob lynching.