A Statement from Compass High School Leadership
In response to recent public comments about individuals with learning differences, Compass High School is reaffirming our commitment to our students and community.
Below are messages from Board of Trustees and our Head of School.
Message from the Board of Trustees
Last week, comments made by people in positions of power sent a harmful and hurtful message to people with dyslexia, suggesting that they cannot thrive or be in places of leadership.
Compass has an obligation to stand up and state clearly that students with learning differences—our students—deserve to be seen and celebrated for their many strengths. They also deserve to hold high expectations for themselves and to be supported in pursuing those expectations by a community of caring adults.
We work with neurodivergent students, including students with language-based learning disabilities, every day. Neurodivergence is not a limitation; it is a superpower. Our students deserve to grow up in a world that recognizes their strengths, not one that questions their ability to succeed and lead. They deserve environments like Compass, where that recognition is paired with the support they need to reach their potential. As school leaders, we remain committed to advocating for all students, celebrating who they are, and ensuring that learning differences are not mistaken for limitations.
It is NEVER too late to stand up and say this clearly: neurodivergent students belong in every space—including spaces of leadership—and we will continue to hold high expectations for their futures.
Respectfully,
The Compass Board of Trustees
Message from the Head of School, Doug Killin
Comments made last week suggesting that a learning difference like dyslexia should disqualify someone from leadership misunderstand both what dyslexia is and what leadership requires. Such statements are not only misleading but also harmful.
At Compass High School, we serve neurodivergent students, including those with dyslexia, every day. These are students who think deeply, solve problems creatively, and persevere through challenges that might discourage others. We see firsthand that dyslexia is not a limitation on intelligence, leadership, or vision.
In fact, many of our students develop exceptional resilience, empathy, and innovative thinking precisely because they have learned to navigate a world that is not always designed for them.
Effective leaders are not defined solely by how they process written text. They are defined by their judgment, integrity, ability to listen, communication skills, and capacity to inspire others. These are strengths that many individuals with dyslexia demonstrate in abundance. Leaders in industry, innovators in technology, public figures, and yes, even school leaders with dyslexia have thrived not in spite of their differences but because they see the world differently, offering unique perspectives and strengths.
Our students deserve to grow up in a world that recognizes their potential, not one that questions their worth. When we limit who we believe can lead, we do more than harm individuals. We diminish the diversity of thought and experience that strengthens leadership itself. At Compass High School, we will continue to advocate for our students, celebrate their strengths, and affirm that their futures are not constrained by labels. Young people with dyslexia belong in every space, including positions of leadership, and their voices matter.
Douglas Killin
Head of School
Compass High School
