For several months now Jerry Mitchell has raised the question: are LEP students getting an unfair advantage because of early/priority registration.

His latest article states, it is the “drugged-up kids” that made him write this article and also that this would be his final time to “to try and talk to you all about registration.” His latest work includes name-calling and harassing comments directed toward students with disabilities that cannot go without comment. However, I do not feel the need to use this forum as a place for justifying the policies of University Disability Services.

As a person who has a learning disability who represents all students with disabilities at DU, my initial reaction was: what could I write to refute Mr. Mitchell’s assertions about people with learning disabilities? However, after reflecting on my reaction to the Mitchell article, I have concluded that I do not have to refute any of the comments made by Mr. Mitchell.

Students enrolled in the Learning Effectiveness Program or Disability Services Program do not have to defend the accommodations that they receive at DU.

What I will do is offer Mr. Mitchell this challenge: since you’re active in Greek Life at DU, I would like to meet with you and Carl Johnson, director of Greek Life. If he agrees, Carl would be an objective third-party observer in our discussion.

The purpose of this meeting would be to discuss your concerns about the LEP registration process, your perceptions about people with disabilities, and more specifically, your opinions about students enrolled in the LEP. In return, you will agree to listen to my concerns about someone in a student leadership role using the Clarion as a forum to make fun of individuals with disabilities and using statements that are based on fallacy and are inaccurate.

I do not take what you say lightly, Mr. Mitchell, but I will support your First Amendment right to say it. So if you really want to be a catalyst of change at DU, I am offering you the opportunity to start the process in a more constructive manner.

I would welcome the opportunity to begin a dialog with you and hope you will accept my offer, Mr. Mitchell.

Ted F. May

Director, University

Disability Services