Khodr Farhat

DEARBORN — When Khodr Farhat emigrated to the U.S. from Lebanon in 2009, he was blind and didn’t know a word of English.

But today, the 23-year-old Dearborn School Board candidate is using his disability to bring attention to a challenge often plaguing the community–lack of awareness of special needs. 

“The special needs program is the top priority of my platform,” Farhat said. “I would love to see Dearborn be more inclusive. It’s vital that special needs students are accommodated both inside and outside the classroom.” 

Khodr said a student’s disability often isn’t as challenging as the social perceptions that come with the territory. As a trustee, he said he would raise awareness of both parents and the youth on how to accommodate special needs students who are often secluded or ignored. 

“It’s hard for any family to have a child who is blind, deaf, autistic or has another disability, whether it’s an Arab family or not,” Farhat said. “At the end of the path, there’s a reality we have to accept and deal with. We have to do all we can to ensure our kid have the best education, social life and surroundings. When you raise awareness at schools, it won’t be perceived as something negative or taboo.”

Farhat obtained an associate’s degree in pre-special education at Henry Ford College and is currently majoring in political science at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

He speaks just as passionately about the ESL program as he does about special needs. In seven short years, he’s been able to learn English and master public speaking. Farhat frequently participates in community outreach— through interpreting, tutoring and engaging in youth programs.

A major part of Farhat’s platform is to increase parent and student involvement. 

“Today, I meet kids and parents who don’t speak English and it reminds me of myself and the hardships I had,” Farhat said. “I would love to empower the current programs and create new programs during the school day and summer break. When these kids don’t speak English, it means the parents don’t, either. We have to work on these kids and help their parents so they can communicate with teachers and help the kids at home.”

Farhat said the district is also ignoring another growing area of potential: Arts programs. Over the years, theater and music programs have diminished across the district. 

Farhat said many talented students would find success in such programs. It would also keep them engaged in extracurricular activities, away from the streets and help them improve academically.

“Where are the programs?” he asked. “The board has to pay more attention and consider these ideas, talents and skills. Many students have artistic talents.”

Dearborn Public School Board trustees also have the unique position of overseeing affairs at Henry Ford College. Farhat said he would bring ideas to the table to help implement more four-year programs at the college, such as education.

He said the college also appears to have an increasing presence in online courses, which he perceives as a downfall.

“Although we do understand some can’t go physically to a classroom, having an excessive number of online classes is not credible,” Farhat said. “I’m against having too much of it. A professor won’t have an accurate measurement of the work. A student won’t get exposed to different and unique cultures and perspectives in Dearborn. That’s not good.”

Farhat is running for one of two open six-year terms. On November 8, he will be facing off against former Trustee Hussein Berry, incumbent Fadwa Hammoud and newcomer Adel Mozip. He hopes his bid will inspire the youth. He aims to shatter misconceptions about his disability— one that’s challenged him since birth, but also motivated him to be a positive contributor to society.

“I know people are going to say ‘he’s blind haram,'” Farhat said. “But I’m changing that to become a very exceptional and positive energy. I’m making my actions louder than my words. I’m fearless and I’m driven by my motivation, education and knowledge. My disability is not limiting me, and I promise it never will.”