Inclusion Today

In my last four posts we took a look at inclusion through several different lenses. We looked at the historical view of how inclusion has evolved and changed over time. I explained how the legal system has had an impact on inclusion through court cases and several different laws that have been enacted. In this post, I'd like to look more closely at the epistemology of social psychology.

This country was founded on the ideals of freedom and equality for opportunity. Yet, every day in schools, students are not given this. Students need to interact with other students of diversity to become global citizens. "The peoples of the world are one people, enriched by individual differences, united by the common bond of humanity." This is a statement directly from the Global Citizens Network website and I believe it whole-heartedly. This statement is not just talking about race or ethnicity, but ALL types of diversity, including special education needs, sex, religion, etc. Some argue that we should learn "tolerance", but I would argue that we need to learn acceptance. We're all individually different and that's what makes us unique.

Even opponents of inclusion agree that the philosophical and moral/ethical reasons for full inclusion are powerful. For instance, Lieberman points out that "the selling points for full integration are emotionally powerful. They do not lend themselves to be easily challenged ... The arguments speak in ideals for all humanity. Images are presented that show friendship, loyalty, togetherness, unity, helpfulness without monetary compensation, care-giving from the heart, building a society based on mutuality of interest. As my fellow man goes, so go I. Only a cynic would take this on." (p. 13)

I agree with Lieberman, educating students in a supportive environment that nurtures learning is hard to debate.

Works Cited

GCN Around the World | Global Citizens Network. Retrieved June 21, 2011 from Global Citizens Network: www.globalcitizens.org.

Inclusion, The Pros and Cons. Retrieved June 1, 2011 from Welcome to SEDL: Advancing Research, Improving Education: www.SEDL.org.