Principal faces DepEd probe for what he said about special kids

The Department of Education (DepEd) is investigating a Caloocan City school principal for reportedly referring to special education (SPEd) students as “abnormal.”

Although Kalayaan National High School principal Eustaquio Gagarra Jr. explained that his use of the word was not meant “to humiliate or belittle” special  children, the DepEd issued a statement saying it would not condone any discriminatory act against students with special needs in line with its duty and responsibility to promote inclusivity and protect all learners.

“The department ensures a thorough probe of Gagarra’s conduct and appropriate action will be taken once it is proven unbefitting of a department personnel,” it added. The statement did not indicate when and in what context the school principal used the term.

Apart from Gagarra’s use of the word “abnormal” to describe special students, he is also being investigated for removing them from their designated classroom.

Based on the information forwarded to Education Secretary Leonor Briones by the Caloocan City Schools Division office, Gagarra issued a memo on Jan. 3 ordering the temporary transfer of SPEd classes from one of the school’s main buildings to the Technology and Livelihood Education area.

The order, which was prompted by ongoing renovations on the campus, took effect on Jan. 12.

Superintendent steps in

But Caloocan City Assistant Schools Division superintendent Aurelio Alfonso said he later ordered that the students be returned to their designated classroom after he met with Gagarra and concerned parents who claimed they were not consulted before the transfer.

Alfonso reported that during the meeting, Gagarra explained that he did not mean to denigrate the SPEd students. However, the DepEd cited the law protecting persons with disabilities (PWDs).

It said that through Department Memorandum No. 276, series of 2007, the DepEd has sworn to uphold Republic Act No. 9442 or An Act Amending the Magna Carta for PWDs, which grants them privileges and incentives while prohibiting their exposure to verbal, nonverbal ridicule and vilification.

“The department ensures a thorough probe of Gagarra’s conduct and appropriate action will be taken once it is proven unbefitting of a department personnel,” it said.

The DepEd reminded all teaching and nonteaching personnel of its commitment to “uplift the social and economic conditions of learners with various exceptionalities by enhancing their access to inclusive quality education and raising public awareness of the PWDs’ rights and concerns.”