Autism, Inclusion, Social Justice: A Parochial School Doesn't Measure Up

 

 

Why would a struggling parochial school, still advertising for students in mid-summer, reject an applicant who is highly qualified academically?  

It isn't a financial decision, as the parents are capable of paying the full tuition.  

It's not a religious issue; the school's website specifically states, "Children of all faiths may attend Saint Rita School. All students attend religion classes, school masses and activities."

What could it be, then?

The answer is fear of autism and disability discrimination.

There are many social justice issues around autism.  Now we have another one: exclusion of a qualified student from a desired religious education.