‼️UPDATE:‼️

We are encouraged that the MCSD School Board, the MCOE Superintendent, and district leadership are now openly acknowledging this problem. But the issue is not resolved. MCOE families still do not receive the same “school-wide” communications that every other MCSD family receives.

We’re seeing movement, and we’re grateful for it. But we cannot effectively advocate for our children without consistent campus communication. We will keep this petition open until every MCSD student in the MCOE programs receive equal access to campus communications where they attend.

 

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Every day, students from the Merced County Office of Education (MCOE) special education program learn alongside their peers on Merced City School District campuses. These placements were designed to promote inclusion and belonging, yet many of these students are routinely excluded from school-wide events, field trips, and community activities they are fully capable of joining. Their families are also excluded from school-wide communications.

Parents have repeatedly asked district leadership to ensure these students are treated as equal members of the school community. Instead, the district has continued to defend and normalize exclusionary decisions. This practice doesn’t just deny students experiences, it denies them dignity, friendship, and equal access to the education they’re promised.

The message to our children is clear: you don’t belong here.

That’s unacceptable.  

 

Recent Example 

In this week’s school bulletin, it was announced that 8th graders on campus would visit Merced College to see the Veterans Memorial flags and tour the campus. However, this field trip is excluding the special education students in the MCOE program who share the same campus.

Despite outreach to the principal, program coordinator, and director, no changes have been made. This exclusion underscores the ongoing problem: MCOE students are continually left out of meaningful educational experiences they are capable of participating in.  

 

Why Inclusion Matters

Inclusive education ensures that all students, regardless of ability, have equal access to the same opportunities and resources. Research consistently shows that inclusive schooling improves academic outcomes, social development, and quality of life for students with disabilities.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, students with disabilities in inclusive settings score significantly higher in both language and math compared to those in segregated environments. Moreover, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) guarantees students the right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment.

By excluding MCOE students from school activities, Merced City School District is failing to uphold this federal requirement and betraying its stated commitment to inclusion. 


 

Call to Action

Call on Merced City School District to take immediate action to ensure that MCOE students are fully included in all aspects of campus life. This means:

 • Unrestricted participation in school events and field trips

 • Equal access to all school-wide communications

 • Respectful collaboration between city and county programs to provide access to community activities they are participating in. 

 

By embracing inclusivity, we build a culture of empathy and understanding that benefits every student. Together, we can create schools where every child feels valued, respected, and included, because diversity strengthens education for everyone.   


 

Please sign this petition to end the exclusion of disabled MCOE students and uphold the values of equity, justice, and belonging across Merced City School District campuses.    

 

‼️Update‼️: Since making the district aware of my intent to protest and petition, they have invited my child’s class. The 3 middle schools that visited today (11/12/25 that we saw) did not not include special education MCOE students. As far as I am aware the only MCOE students being invited are my child’s class because I am loud. I still intend to protest the exclusion of all of the other special education MCOE students and work to fill this petition to give to the school board.