On Thursday May 12, 2011 Wendy Ahlman was kicked off the Freedom Academy school board. Wendy has been a fearless advocate and champion for the rights and dignity of children. She endured a litany of lies, slander, and libel. She endured public humiliation defaming her character with a sign posted at the entrance of Freedom Academy bearing her name as her children walked through the doorway. Posted like a “Wanted” sign visible to everyone that crossed the threshold--maligning her in front of family, peers, friends, parents, and business associates. The sign called her several unflattering names which we shall not repeat, but here are photos of the posting with defaming words blurred out.
Wendy fought the good fight. She deflected a barrage of false charges, asserting her innocence in each and every instance. But calumny won out. Indeed, the die was cast long ago by her detractors. Yet she continues to believe in the predominate goodness of a majority of teachers, the selfless sacrifice of parents, and mostly the boundless potential of children if given the right environment to flourish.
Wendy ran on the following platform ( excerpt: www.wendyahlman.blogspot.com )
"Obviously, a good education is key to every child’s confidence, success, and happiness. Moreover, the best education employs a holistic approach which nourishes mind, body, and spirit. Beyond academics, it must instill social integration, emotional nurturing, self-esteem and personal enterprise. The key is to develop an environment where these qualities can flourish. Herein we come to an educational concept called, the Least Restrictive Environment. This does not suggest a lack of rules or structure, just the opposite. It creates a consistent, comfortable zone free from aggression, apprehension and pecking orders. Nevertheless, too much rigidity swings the pendulum the another way. Students begin to fear the institution, regulations, and enforcers. When children are nervous they do not absorb new information well. My goal as a board member would be to bring balance to the school and provide an environment centered on education rather than institution. For example, there are many positive aspects that uniforms bring to a school. They eliminate many distractions, labels, and social schisms. Taking it too far, however, can create the opposite effect. Diversity is beautiful. Indeed, forced conformity never engenders social cohesion. Hence, relaxing dress codes to common sense levels will not erode academic excellence. Neither would having two free dress days a month unravel self-discipline or moral fiber. We must recognize that it is important for children to feel a sense of uniqueness to develop self-respect as well as tolerance for others."
And so it is, that Wendy was removed from the board by the same people that fashion policies which govern your children, shape their minds, and instill their social identity. Are we to believe that the oligarchy at Freedom Academy respects your child’s special gifts, needs, individuality, and spirit? Yet they removed a board member for her “personal style”--I kid you not, that is a quote. No charges of impropriety were proven. Two prolonged meetings filled with defamatory accusations and they hang their hat on “personal style”?.
Indeed, the official statement of her ousting regurgitates the same inane language posted on the door. This essentially proves their bias and modus operandi, “So let it be written, so let it be done.” Crush decent. Squelch new ideas. Punish individuality. Destroy all who threaten the incumbent powers and policy. Again, not a single new relevant fact was produced by this witch hunt. Therefore, what else could they say except that they did not like her “personal style” (or the fact that she has some, in my opinion).
Wendy was allowed to serve only 6 months of her 2 year term. She remained true to her principles and promise. From the time that she took office parents, teachers, and even board members flooded her email and telephone with their concerns. Wendy had no idea that things had gotten so bad.
Some might say that she is the first martyr of the movement, but that would be inaccurate. Instead, place in your mind on those that inspired Wendy. Imagine children crying themselves to sleep. Imagine children having a meltdown before school because they can’t find their belt. Imagine knots tightening in their tiny stomachs as they walk from class to class worried that their pant legs might be pulled up to reveal that their only pair of clean socks were too short. Imagine the sensation of heat rushing to a child’s cheeks as their faces blush, being asked to stand up in class, in front of their peers, to be singled out as violators. Imagine a kindergartner taking scissors to their own hair, a student taking a black sharpie to their tennis shoes, or a child removing articles of underclothing in the school bathroom due to fear of the uniform police. Let these images sear into your mind, feel the empathic aching within your heart, and listen to your conscience chime. That voice, that clear unmistakable whisper that pierces to the core--echoing, “Suffer the little children to come unto me.” Then you too will know what you must do. Without regard for personal gain. Without regard for reputation. Without regard for consequential discomfort, persecution, or the treachery of others whether they be friends or foes.
Wendy has been a shining example of unwavering compassion to our children. I couldn’t be more proud.
by: The Lesser Half
