Families Deserve Better. We’re Standing Up Against Ableism—and for Our Future.

Photo by Barbara Burgess on Unsplash

Let’s be clear:  Autism doesn’t destroy families. Ableism and eugenic ideologies do.

That’s the truth behind the message we’re sharing today—and it needs to be said loud and clear.  At the Berrien County Democratic Party, we refuse to stay silent while figures like RFK Jr. spread dangerous, dehumanizing rhetoric about disabled people and their families.

And let’s be real: his remarks aren’t just isolated incidents.  They’re part of something bigger—and something we have to fight.

Across the country, disability rights are under attack. Public education is being defunded. Old, harmful ideas about whose lives have value are creeping back into our politics. Right here in Michigan, too many families are already fighting tooth and nail to get their kids the evaluations, diagnoses, and support services they deserve. And now they have to fight while worrying about the next round of harmful policies or hateful rhetoric.

What Are Eugenic Ideologies—and Why Are They So Dangerous?

When we talk about eugenic ideologies, we’re talking about a deeply harmful belief system that says some lives are more valuable than others based on traits like disability, race, gender, or socioeconomic status.

At its core, eugenics pushes the idea that society should "improve" itself by encouraging certain people to reproduce—and discouraging, or outright preventing, others from having children. It’s a dark part of American history: eugenic policies once led to the forced sterilization of disabled people, people of color, and anyone who didn’t fit into a narrow, ableist vision of what was considered "worthy."

And here’s the thing:  Even though most people don’t use the word "eugenics" anymore, the mindset is still very much alive today.  Whenever public figures imply that people with disabilities are somehow broken, less deserving, or a burden on society, they are reviving those same dangerous ideas.

That’s why we have to name it—and fight it—every single time.  Families raising children with disabilities aren’t burdens. They’re part of the beautiful, diverse human family. And they deserve dignity, support, and respect.

To every parent and caregiver out there:  We see you. We stand with you. You are not alone.

Last week, MiPass shared the powerful response of Michigan mother Molly Corombos, who met RFK Jr.'s ableist press conference with love, truth, and courage. Her words resonated deeply. Because let’s be very clear: No one speaks for us—without us.

Why Protecting Public Education—and the Department of Education—Matters Now More Than Ever

At the same time we’re fighting against ableism and outdated eugenic ideas, there’s another battle happening that we can’t afford to ignore:  Extremists are pushing to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education (DOE).

Let’s be really clear about what’s at stake.

The DOE isn’t just some bureaucratic office in Washington, D.C. It’s the backbone of educational fairness in America. It exists to make sure that no matter where you live—no matter your race, income, disability status, or background—your child has the right to a quality education.

Here’s what the Department of Education does every single day:

• Protects Students' Civil Rights: The DOE makes sure schools can’t discriminate based on race, sex, disability, or national origin. Without it, there would be no one holding schools accountable.

• Supports Special Education: Through programs like IDEA (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), the DOE ensures students with disabilities get the services and support they need to succeed.

• Provides Funding for Public Schools: Especially for lower-income districts that might otherwise be left behind.

• Holds States Accountable: States don’t always prioritize students equally. The DOE pushes for higher standards, better outcomes, and real oversight.

• Advances Educational Equity: Every kid deserves access to opportunity—not just the kids who live in wealthy neighborhoods.

Without a strong Department of Education, the most vulnerable students—students with disabilities, students of color, students in rural and low-income communities—would be hurt the most.

This isn’t just about education policy. It’s about whether or not we believe in an America where every child matters—not just the privileged few.

If the Department of Education is weakened or eliminated, we’ll see even deeper inequalities across our public schools. And families already fighting for basic rights and services—especially those with disabled children—will be the first to suffer.

That’s why we’re standing up now. Public education is the foundation of a strong democracy. And we are not about to let it crumble without a fight.

We are living through a time when basic rights—for disabled people, for students, for working families—are being challenged like never before.

It’s going to take all of us, standing together, to push back.

The Berrien County Democratic Party is ready. Are you with us?

In strength and solidarity,

Emma Goos

Operations Liaison, Berrien County Democratic Party