School's 'dress as disabled' charity event sparks backlash, apology
Year 8 students participated in a walkathon where they dressed as blind, lame or injured people using props.
Flinders Christian Community College in Melbourne's southeast hosted a "Walk in their Shoes" fundraiser. Year 8 students dressed up with canes, slings and sunglasses to portray people with disabilities.
The school awarded a canteen voucher for the best costume. Disability advocate Julie Phillips called it offensive.
She said people with disabilities should not be shown as needing to be fixed by Jesus. A former parent compared it to asking students to dress as Hitler for a history event.
The school issued an apology on Friday. It said the well-intended event fell short of dignity and respect.
The school is now reviewing the planning of the event and how disability inclusion was considered. It said it will act on what it learns.
- Year 8
- Students
- up to $11,960 per year
- Annual fees
Why it mattersHow schools teach about disability shapes how young people treat and think about disabled peers and adults.
Corroborated bythenightly.com.au
