Special education students who are more independent often spend time in the courtyard, where they have the opportunity to interact with other students without adult supervision. Unfortunately, some students, far from acting appropriately friendly and considerate, choose to make special education students the butt of their jokes.

Some students who spend time in the courtyard suggest that the teasing is not as bad as it seems, that the teasers don't intend to be mean and that their targets are unaware of what's going on.

Others attribute the teasing problem to the fact that special education students in the courtyard are often unattended by a supervisor; however, students develop valuable skills by navigating situations on their own. "A little exposure in an uncontrolled environment is definitely a positive experience for them overall," special education teacher Tony Luini said. "Socialization is important — it provides them with a greater sense of belonging."

The problem thus lies not with the students' degree of independence, but with the disrespectful manner in which other students may treat them.

Teasing of any kind often stems from ignorance. Students should learn about what it means to have special needs so that they feel more comfortable with special education students. "I think the best thing for regular students to do is to get involved," said one junior in the special education program who has autism.

Ultimately, all students deserve to be treated with dignity and compassion, no matter how different they are from one another. Regardless of teasers' intentions — or of whether the targets of this teasing are aware of what's going on — making fun of special education students is not okay. Although adults must be aware of courtyard harassment, it is up to students to put a stop to the teasing and create an environment of respect and compassion.