Betrayed trust in the Colorado school system has left family well-being and educational reform hanging by a thread, as troubling practices and scandalous policies come to light.
At a Glance
- Jennifer Tidd’s son, with autism, was secluded or restrained over 400 times in school.
- Fairfax County Public Schools underreported restraint cases, misled the public.
- A teacher in Jefferson County manipulated a student, school knew and did nothing.
- Colorado House’s new bill termed as an attack on parental rights.
Entrusted and Betrayed: The Case of Jennifer Tidd’s Son
Jennifer Tidd’s heartbreaking ordeal unfolds with her autistic son being secluded or restrained 437 times over three years. Such restraint and seclusion, meant for dire emergencies, became routine, leading to trauma instead of protection.
Alarmingly, federal guidelines require these incidents to be reported, but cases consistently remain underreported. Fairfax County is a glaring example, initially recording no cases but eventually admitting to 1,700.
(April 9, 2024) Englewood, Colorado – Paraprofessional arrested after police say video shows her beating autistic child on school bus
A former Littleton Public Schools paraprofessional is facing a felony charge after police say video footage revealed she beat a non-verbal child… pic.twitter.com/lkq5hVeULk
— The SD Padres Fan (@TheSDPadresFan) April 9, 2024
A Looming Scandal: Jefferson County’s Missteps
Jefferson County found itself entangled in a scandal where school staff allegedly assisted a minor in fabricating homelessness to move in with teacher Leann Kearney. Despite multiple school officials being aware, enforcement became selective advocacy under the guise of “helping students with their sexuality.”
“Ms Kearney takes interest in helping kids navigate their sexuality.” – the Principal
This incident encapsulates a dire breach of trust, one that maybe skirts closely to criminal activity. Questions of accountability raise their head as educational reforms press for answers and systemic change, protecting parental rights and safety.
The Overreach of the Colorado House
The betrayal extends beyond individual cases, with the Colorado House bill that classifies “misgendering” and “deadnaming” as child abuse, influencing custody battles. Critics argue this is an unjust encroachment on parental rights, quelling opposition through derogatory tactics.
With parents and conservatively-aligned groups in uproar, the incident reveals that teachers’ unions and allies play a pivotal role in the breadth of policy support. Could this bridge between educational and familial realms lead us to question the boundary lines?
