Haddonfield schools reaffirm inclusion after social-media harassment of unified bowling team

Haddonfield district leaders on March 20 condemned social-media posts that targeted students who participated in the Special Olympics unified bowling team and reaffirmed the district’s commitment to inclusive schooling.

Doctor Pierollo (Staff member, district administrator) told the board staff and families that a photograph of the unified bowling team — which pairs general-education and special-needs students — was shared on an outside Facebook page and drew “simply horrific” comments. “Very cruel statements, very unkind things,” Pierollo said, and the superintendent said some students had seen the posts.

Why it matters: The district framed unified activities as core to its instructional model. Pierollo said Haddonfield places a large share of classified students in general-education classrooms more than most districts: the district’s figure presented at the meeting was 89% of classified students spending 80% or more of their day in general classes, compared with a national average the presenter cited at 64.8% and a New Jersey average cited as 45.1%.

Pierollo said the picture and subsequent comments were upsetting to families and staff and that the district will continue inclusive programming. He invited the community to the district’s Disabilities Inclusion Awareness Month activities, using the meeting as an opportunity to reaffirm practice and community standards. “That unified bowling team is philosophically what we do,” Pierollo said, describing inclusive activities as benefits for all students.

Board reaction and actions: Board members thanked staff for their work and for the district’s inclusive model. The board did not take a formal disciplinary action during the meeting but publicly encouraged community support for the team and said the district would continue its inclusive approach.

Context and related items: District officials also noted additional forthcoming events related to inclusion and said the district plans a Disabilities Inclusion Awareness Month celebration. The superintendent asked the community to stand with the district and committed to continued programmatic support and public affirmation of inclusive practices.

Ending: District leaders called the posts “upsetting” and urged a supportive response. The board reiterated its commitment to inclusive programming and said families and staff had the district’s backing.