12/13/2022
One Chance Illinois - Action Condemns Attack on York HS Student with Down syndrome
December 13, 2022
For Immediate Release
Contact: [email protected]
CHICAGO, Il., – Dan Vosnos, Executive Director of One Chance Illinois - Action (OCI-A) was strong in his condemnation of the recent attack captured on video of a student with Down syndrome at York High School in Elmhurst, Illinois.
“As the father of a son with Down syndrome, I take this very personally. It’s horrifying that the perpetrator(s) acted in such a cruel manner and equally malicious that bystanders stood by laughing as it happened,” said Vosnos. “These boys and their parents need to come forward and make amends to this child and to the larger community of children living with Down syndrome.”
“No child should ever experience physical violence or bullying, especially in a place meant for learning. We know public school students with unique abilities are more likely targets of bullying, and as a community we should stand firmly and vocally against such action. We’re committed to being a voice for children with unique abilities and empowering parents to give their children a safe environment to learn. That’s why we’re fighting for better education policy so that Illinois students with unique learning needs can access the best learning environments where they can feel safe and thrive.”
“We encourage the parents of the students involved to reach out to OCI-A so we can create an opportunity for these young people to learn to respect the value that people with Down syndrome bring to the world,” said Vosnos. “We believe they can grow from this experience.”
OCI-A has been in communication with the administration at York High School to support efforts to make it a more inclusive and welcoming place for diverse learners.
If you have a child with unique abilities that has experienced bullying or violence, and you need support and advocacy, please reach out to OCI-A at OneChanceIllinois.org or by emailing [email protected]
One Chance Illinois – Action (OCI-A) believes that children only get one chance at a quality education. We must do everything we can to ensure that Illinois’s children get the education they need and deserve.
OCI-A is empowering parents, grandparents, guardians, and foster parents of any child with a unique learning need to be able to attend any school of their choice and gain access to the high-quality, inclusive education options they need to become the people they were meant to be.
