People with disabilities need social justice at UNM

Editor,

I am writing in regards to the story about the past and present of civil rights published in the Daily Lobo on Sept. 27. In the article, there is no mention of the issue of disability and civil rights. In the UNM Civil Rights Symposium agenda, there were no panel discussions listed that support dialogue with respect to issues of disability and access at the University or anywhere else.

I would like to call your attention to the fact that segregated special education classrooms are the norm at many New Mexico high schools, particularly rural schools. Many students and educators have been exposed to the shaping effect these classrooms have had, not only on those unfortunate enough to be learning in these segregated classrooms, but also on those who attend classes outside the segregated classroom. I believe this shaping effect is largely responsible for the neglect and discrimination that prevails at UNM. The shaping effect creates an environment of isolation that marginalizes people with disabilities and effectively prevents them from participating in dialogue and action required to improve the conditions of discrimination they face every day.

Unfortunately, UNM has a history of discrimination against the disabled that is at least several decades long. In an opinion piece titled "UNM Aggressively Courts the Best and Brightest" printed in the Albuquerque Journal on April 4, former UNM provost and now New Mexico Secretary for Higher Education Reed Dasenbrock extolled UNM policy on diversity, but nowhere in this piece are students with disabilities mentioned. It appears that this position on issues of disability and education continues at UNM.

Students with disabilities need to be included in any and all discussions of diversity at UNM. Programs that address the needs of students with disabilities at UNM need increased funding. Educational programs are needed to address the lack of understanding of what students with disabilities need with respect to access and to curb the stigma many students with disabilities face in the classroom and elsewhere on campus. People with disabilities are in need of social justice at the University. We need improved understanding and more dialogue over the issues of disability at the University now.

Frank Martin

UNM student