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Utah Mom Pulls Daughter With Down Syndrome From Dance Team After Alleged Exclusion: ‘I Watched Her Be Made Fun Of’

People can be so cruel

Elizabeth KonkelBy 3 Mins Read
Utah Mom Removes Daughter With Down Syndrome From Dance After Alleged Discrimination
Image source via TikTok/livingwithalittleextra

A Utah mom says she removed her daughter with Down Syndrome from dance class after alleged discrimination. She describes this decision as “one of the most heartbreaking things” she’s done. Before even letting her daughter try out for the competition team, she claims she “spoke with the studio.” Furthermore, she explains she was told it was okay for her daughter to join.

The Utah mom shares that other “moms from her competition team complained about her [daughter].” As a result, the woman attempted to fix the issue by emailing each parent. In the email, she explained her daughter has Down Syndrome and what things were difficult for her. She also offered “to do playdates or team bonding activities” so the children can get to know her daughter better. Allegedly, only one mother responded.

@livingwithalittleextra

Before Londynn tried out for a competition dance team, I spoke with the studio and her previous instructors and specifically asked if she was capable of doing this. I was told she absolutely was. She tried out. She made the team. 🤍 After only TWO classes, parents went to the studio with concerns about Londynn. I immediately worked to find solutions. I emailed every parent explaining that Londynn has Down syndrome, may sometimes need extra patience or guidance, but was SO excited to know their daughters. I offered playdates and team bonding. Only one mom responded. I found childcare for my other children so I could attend every class. I watched girls exclude her, make fun of her and encourage her to do things they knew she shouldn’t. I also watched Londynn approach a girl for a high-five or admire someone’s painted nails, only to be told to “keep your hands to yourself” before she could even follow through. Does Londynn sometimes need reminders about personal space? Absolutely. But sometimes what others saw as a problem was simply Londynn trying to connect. And despite what I witnessed, I never went to the studio to complain about these girls. Instead, I tried to create friendships. Another mom and I even began planning a night for the girls to get to know each other better. After only a few more classes, I received an email saying Londynn would be removed from the team after additional concerns from parents. I had communicated with her teachers after every class, attended classes, offered solutions and provided support. I knew there would be things we needed to work through, but I believed she deserved the opportunity to work through them alongside her peers. This is what breaks my heart: What are we teaching our children when our response to someone who is different is to remove them instead of helping them understand each other? There was a time when individuals with disabilities were excluded from schools, communities and even their own homes. We’ve come so far, but inclusion isn’t simply letting someone into the room. It’s not only inviting them to the table, it’s inviting and believing they actually belong there.🤍 #downsyndrome #specialneedsmom

♬ original sound – livingwithalittleext

The Utah mom states that she rearranged her schedule, including finding childcare for her other children, so to attend each dance class. During these lessons, she claims, “I watched her be excluded, egged on, and made fun of.” The woman states that one of the hardest things about having a child with Down Syndrome is watching “how the world treats her.” Allegedly, the parents didn’t want their children to be friends with her daughter, and went to the studio again to have her removed. After this, the woman chose to remove her daughter from the class. She states, “I never believed that children with different abilities or individuals with different abilities should have been separated from their peers.” The video has over 87,000 views, over 7,000 likes, and nearly 1,000 comments.

Other Parents Lend Utah Mom Support

However, her video has other parents rallying in the TikTok video’s comments. They offer the Utah mom encouragement and support. One says, “Shame on the other moms!! They are doing their children a HUGE disservice in not teaching them about others with disabilities.” Another says, “This is unacceptable. I’m so sorry you and your sweet girl.” A third offers virtual hugs: “It’s heartbreaking. Sending you guys a hug!”

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Meanwhile, some parents offer to help the woman fight back against the studio and the other parents. One asks, “WHO do I need to have a talk with?! It’s time to educate some moms on empathy and patience.” Another says, “I WANT NAMES! What selfish, horrible individuals!” Another offers, “I don’t know you or beautiful child, but I will gladly cuss them out for y’all!”

While the Utah mom states this was a difficult choice, she plans to pick up the pieces and promises nothing will stop her from advocating for her daughter.

Related Topics
human interest Utah
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