We, the undersigned, call on Richfield Township officials, the Zoning Board, and local law enforcement to immediately address the harassment of a family in St. Helen, MI, whose autistic daughter, Joslyn, has become the target of complaints and coordinated actions by certain neighbors.

Joslyn is nonverbal and autistic. Like many autistic individuals, she expresses her joy and excitement through squeals and vocal stimming. These sounds are not “nuisance screaming”—they are a natural part of who she is.

Despite this, neighbors have filed formal ordinance complaints, circulated letters, and even gone door-to-door seeking signatures to label her as a problem. This has caused enormous emotional harm to Joslyn’s family and represents a dangerous form of discrimination against a child with disabilities.

This is not just a neighborhood dispute. This is harassment of a child for being disabled. It violates the principles of inclusion, compassion, and equal rights. Families raising children with special needs already face challenges—no family should be bullied or intimidated in their own home because of a disability.

We demand:

1. That Richfield Township conduct a thorough investigation on the “nuisance” complaints targeting Joslyn’s disability-related behaviors. We are positive that the facts will be revealed and find these complaints are not warranted nor a violation thereof in Richfield Township.
2. That local officials uphold disability rights and protect families from harassment.
3. That the community stand with Joslyn’s family to send a clear message: St. Helen is a place of acceptance, not discrimination.

By signing this petition, you are standing up for Joslyn and for every family raising a child with disabilities. Let’s show this family they are not alone—and that Northern Michigan stands for compassion, inclusion, and justice.

💙💜 #AutismAcceptance #DisabilityRights #StopTheHate