Cobb County School leaders: Let Chris walk

The Cobb County School Board has decided that our friend, Allatoona High School senior Chris Alderidge, who sustained two strokes at the age of 4, and had a brain tumor removed four years later, and has an Individualized Educational Plan because of a learning disability, should not be allowed to walk with his graduating class because he failed the science portion of the graduation test.

Chris has earned the necessary credits to graduate. He took, and passed all the courses that the state of Georgia requires to graduate. And he understands that to truly earn the diploma, he has to take science exam again over the summer to improve his science score by five points, and plans to do just that. I won’t editorialize on that.

Neither the state of Georgia (which by the way has no problem with allowing students such as Chris to walk with his graduating class) nor Cobb County is governed by the phrase, “What Would Jesus Do?”

What’s interesting though, on this Election Day, is that just about every candidate would claim that they follow What Would Jesus Do creed, either because they say they are believers, or at least think it is a kind, caring, smart way to treat others.

So what would Jesus do?

I can’t say with certainty. Here’s what I do know. He wouldn’t worry about things like a “slippery slope.” He wouldn’t worry about breaking a rule or shaking up the status quo to show mercy and grace.

Ceremonies, by and large, mean nothing to me. But they mean something to Chris and his parents.

Will the hundreds of other graduates (or more likely parents) really feel cheated if Chris gets to walk with his class?  I guess some might.  I’d tell those people to get over yourself and enjoy your day and don’t worry that Chris and his family get to enjoy it to.

Chris was told about 10 days ago that he wouldn't be able to walk with his class. Chris was told, in school. His mom wasn't called. Chris, the hardworking student with a big smile who had overcome every other obstacle in his educational life, was told. Well done, guys.

 

Chris should walk Friday with his class. Every administrator and counselor who thought otherwise should also personally apologize to Chris and his family. 

I have a word for those who hurt they heart of the children, or teens, just because they can: Bullies.