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    Posted September 15, 2012 by
    dmccarthy1
    Location
    New York
    Assignment
    Assignment
    This iReport is part of an assignment:
    What’s wrong with America’s school system?

    Bullied Autistic Janitor Fired

     
    Mel Turner is a 45 year old part-time janitor with the Wantagh School District located in NY. Mel is Autistic. One summer night walking around Wantagh, as Mel does, some neighborhood kids teased him, harassed him. Being Autistic the only way he knows how to handle this is by having an outburst. He will punch himself, no one else, say things like “I am going to blow up the school” He will scream it so everyone can hear. Well some kids taped this and turned it over to there parents who in turn turned over to the school. The school then called the police on Mel and suspended him. They also ended up sending this 45 year old autistic man to the mental ward. Not once calling his family. He is autistic not mentally ill. They ended up firing him. Sept 13th was the board meeting and over 900 people showed up in outrage. He still has not been reinstated. In 2012 how can school officials not know how to treat autistic people? How can they not know that by firing Mel they are endorsing bullying? Its 2012 I think Wantagh School District needs a little training. Mel is now suffering barely surviving. He needs support. Please spread the word of this man who has been mistreated. Here is a clip of Mel's neighbor, Pat Ryder, giving a speech at this board meeting. You be the judge.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=V1DKxCV8tWg#!

    His bills are high and he needs to eat especially his double stuff oreo's. Please donate to him. He made $329 every two weeks. That paid his electric, food, heat and tax. He was in the red. Lets help him out.

    To donate to Mel

    http://www.indiegogo.com/MEL2012

    To follow Mel's Story

    https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/351523431597187/352313568184840/?comment_id=352326798183517&notif_t=event_mall_reply


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