July 15, 1999

TO: Bill Coffelt
	Per your request, I'm writing to give you my thoughts and
impressions on the "controversies" surrounding the appointments of Phil
Campbell and Mary Cerreto in Massachusetts.  During their appointments in
Mass. I followed events there closely.  Not only did I read various
newspaper articles, but I often spoke with university researchers, parent
leaders, and professionals in Mass. who were knowledgeable about the
situation.  Of course, as Editor of Mental Retardation, which is published
by the American Association on Mental Retardation, I also pay close
attention to national and statewide trends and issues in developmental
disabilities.

	Phil Campbell and Mary Cerreto appeared to have two
major "failings" during their tenure in Mass.  First, they were identified
as "pro-community" in a state in which some of the parent groups were
adamantly opposed to deinstitutionalization.  Although I recognize that
some institutional parent groups and employee unions in some states 
are threatened by deinstitutionalization, I also cannot think of
a state developmental disability director in any leading
state--determined by objective indicators--who cannot be said to be 
"pro-community."  Thus, during the tenure of Campbell and Cerreto,
state government leadership in Massachusetts was cited for its
"responsible and creative course" in a peer-reviewed journal article
published in 1997 (D. Braddock & R. Hemp (1997) Toward family and
community Mental Retardation services in Massachusetts, New England, and
the United States.  Mental Retardation, 35, 241-256).

	Second, in the pursuit of justice and civil rights, and standing
tall in their principles, they tried to do something about the negative,
"aversive" procedures being employed on residents of BRI (a.k.a. Judge
Rotenberg Center).  In my opinion, their efforts in this regard were
consistent with the state of professional knowledge and acceptable policy
and practice in the field of developmental disabilities.
	
It is clear to me that Campbell and Cerreto were the targets of a
well-funded and carefully orchestrated campaign to discredit them.  
Neither the press nor the courts treated them fairly.  There is no
question in my mind that they acted in good faith and with the courage of
their convictions.  The attacks on them were motivated by ideological
factors.  This appears to be happening to Campbell and Cerreto today in
California. 

	The sad reality is that once people have been accused of acts in
the media or the courts it is difficult for them to clear their names.
Baseless allegations or erroneous factual findings by courts become
confused with reality.  
	--Steve Taylor

Steven J. Taylor, Ph.D.
Professor of Education
Director, Center on Human Policy
Coordinator, Disability Studies
Syracuse University