Student with autism excluded from graduation: Investigation launched into school
In Istanbul, Asil Ahmet Kurt, an autistic student enrolled as an inclusion student at Mustafa Pars Kindergarten, was allegedly subjected to discrimination. While his peers were having fun at the graduation ceremony, he was forced to dance with his mother in the back seats of the hall. As these moments went viral on social media, mother Ezgi Desovalı and the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education made statements regarding the issue.
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Asil Ahmet Kurt, who has autism, was allegedly subjected to discrimination at his kindergarten graduation.
The footage shared by his mother, Ezgi Desovalı, on her social media account quickly became a trending topic.
According to the allegations, Kurt was not allowed to participate in the dance performance held by the students at the graduation ceremony.
The moments when Asil, who has autism, had to entertain himself with music in the back seats of the hall with his mother instead of being with his peers caused great sadness.
MOTHER REBELS
Following the viral spread of the footage, mother Ezgi Desovalı announced in a social media post that her son Asil had not been included in the celebrations. Expressing her outrage, mother Desovalı stated, "Dear friends, I am now asking for your support for my dear son. And know that I am only summarizing. My son, Asil Ahmet Kurt, is an inclusion student at kindergarten. Until today, we first had problems at the school where his registration was dropped by the state. I cried, kept it inside, and stayed silent. We changed schools. At the current school, they determined the hours he would attend as an inclusion student themselves. Over time, it was reduced to breakfast time (1 hour), even though it was known he wouldn't eat. We constantly compromised, and those who know me know that I am very patient. We did whatever they asked. Forget about seeing my son as an individual, they didn't even ask for any materials, etc., for us to provide. Then his class was shifted to noon again. Just when I thought it would work out, while watching the benefits of inclusion for my son every day, I was devastated by today's graduation."
"I AM TIRED OF BEING OTHERED..."
"Since this is my son's last chance in terms of age and he now has to continue to primary school (the school decided by rehabilitation). We fought all year so my son could integrate. Today we went to his graduation happily. However, I realized that throughout the whole year, they hadn't even learned my son's name. While I was crying with pride for Asil the moment I realized it, my tears of joy suddenly froze due to the disappointment I experienced. I am tired of being othered... I can no longer bear the ignoring of special children... Will you help me make my voice heard?" she said.
INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED
While messages of support poured in for mother Ezgi Desovalı after her post, the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education stated, "Following the allegations in the press and on social media platforms regarding an incident claimed to have occurred at one of our educational institutions, where an autistic kindergarten student was allegedly excluded by their teachers during a graduation ceremony, an immediate investigation and inquiry have been launched by our directorate. The matter is being followed by us with sensitivity."