Don’t knock Rittenhouse for her set-backs

To the Editor:\nIn last Friday’s IDS, I read about Lisa Rittenhouse, a former Southern Illinois University student with disabilities who was dismissed from law school for poor academic performance. Since then, I have read a fair number of articles in other news sources that have ridiculed Ms. Rittenhouse for suing the law school on grounds of discrimination after being denied readmission. The editorial published in the IDS (“Law school of hard knocks,” Jan. 18) is unique among these in its generalization of cruelty and mockery toward all people with disabilities.\nAttitude is the greatest barrier faced by people with disabilities in higher education. We need to do everything we can to make our university climate one of accessibility and inclusion. We do this by affirming the rights of students with disabilities, normalizing their place in the diverse fabric of the campus and listening to stories of their unique experiences. Your editorial adds to the mountain of negative stereotypes and stigmas that question the place of people with disabilities in higher education, undermines their dignity and discourages them from speaking up to seek support or report acts of discrimination.\nMarch is Disabilities Awareness Month, and the Office of Disability Services for Students will be promoting a number of events designed to combat ignorance and prejudice and celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities to the IU community. I hope the editorial board of the IDS will show up to some of these events with an open mind and be prepared to receive an attitude adjustment.