Calm, common sense and compassion would have saved Ethan Saylor's life

March was a crazy busy month.

I was busy taking care of

my family and working

behind the scenes

with IDSC business.

I love being behind

the scenes for the most

part but sometimes I feel

like I'm not stepping up enough
about issues that affect

 the Down syndrome community.

I am, I'm just not out 

where others see me.

In this particular situation,

behind the scenes is not enough for me.

On January 12, 2013, 

a man named 

Robert Ethan Saylor died.

He had Down syndrome.

He was 26 years old. 

He died while in police custody.

He was arrested because he refused

to either leave a theater

or pay for another ticket.

Police were called,

he was handcuffed

and forced to leave the theater.

He suffered a medical emergency

as they tried to get him out 

the theater.

It has been reported

that the officers fell on him.

In a heap.

His death was ruled a homicide.

Yet no charges have been filed.

They are blaming Down syndrome

and a heart condition he had as a baby

for his death.

It's just not right.

This could have been avoided.
This didn't have to happen the way it did.
Robert Ethan Saylor didn't have to die.

This columnist said it well.
"Calm, common sense and
compassion would
have saved Ethan Saylor's life."

We released this statement

from the IDSC:

 The time is now. 

Please sign the change.org

petition calling for an

independent investigation.

https://www.change.org/petitions/justice-for-robert-saylor 

Please stand up for

this man.

Please help

send the message to his

family that they don't stand alone.