Chapel Hill mom of student in yearbook omission writes a book, advocates inclusion

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WNCN) — An autistic Chapel Hill mom, educator, and disability advocate has written a book that digs deeper into conversations about inclusion, accountability, and belonging when vulnerable people are overlooked by the systems meant to protect them.

Read more Hurricanes fans discover Stanley Cup tickets nearly sold out just hours after going live

The new book, titled “Unapologetic Mercy,” comes as the author, Krista Zelt Caraway, continues advocating for families following the omission of special needs students in the Chapel Hill High School yearbook.

“I feel pretty upset about it that I get left out,” said Luke Lee, a straight-A, graduating senior.

And he’s not alone. “And I also feel like Lexi, my sister, was left out too, and other students.”

Luke and Lexi, and more than 12 of their fellow special needs schoolmates, were omitted from the yearbook.

Luke and his mom, Krista Zelt Caraway, call it one more case in the disability community of being out of sight, out of mind.

“And they’re amazing humans,” Caraway said. “And they deserve to be recognized just with everybody else. No more, no less. It’s kind of like the encyclopedia of that school. That school will keep every yearbook from the year that it started until the end. And if you’re not included, well, there’s no record of you.”

“So, I’m speaking out for those who don’t have a voice or who are just scared to speak up for themselves,” Luke added.

Following public outcry from families and advocates, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools issued a statement apologizing for what district leaders described as gaps in internal procedures rather than intentional exclusion.

The district says updated yearbooks and professionally produced insert pages are being planned for affected students and families.

“We’re going to continue to advocate for them to remake the yearbook,” Caraway said

What began as a yearbook dispute has evolved into a larger conversation about disability rights, visibility, and the responsibility schools have to ensure every student feels seen and valued.

Read more Raleigh community comes together for mental health at ‘988 and Skate’ event

“It seems like students with disabilities are historically an afterthought,” Caraway added.

And this mom, former school teacher, disability advocate, and author, who happens to be autistic herself — like Luke and Lexi — has written the book with “Unapologetic Mercy: A mother’s fight for truth in a system that failed the most vulnerable.” 

And it describes the incident like the book’s main character, Laney, who is based on non-speaking Lexi.

“(She’s) A former student of mine,” Caraway continued. “That was found neglected and abused near death. And, when nobody stepped in, we did. So she’s been with us since then. I wrote this book because our family lived through experiences that taught us what it feels like to be overlooked, excluded, and misunderstood.”

The book explores disability, trauma, survival, dignity, and community while asking questions about accountability when systems break down.

Caraway argues that justice and mercy are not opposing forces but partners in creating meaningful change in the disability community.

“I’ve spent much of my life working to help build communities and schools where everybody feels safe as though they belong and are a part of the true community,” Caraway said.

“I think it’s about being honest, doing the right thing and healing,” Luke said.

While Caraway says she is considering legal counsel regarding the yearbook situation, she emphasizes that her primary goal is systemic repair and lasting accountability for the disability community.

Caraway says she hopes that “Unapologetic Mercy” will encourage educators, policymakers, parents, and community leaders to examine how institutions respond when vulnerable individuals are excluded or overlooked.

The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School District says it remains committed to ensuring all students are seen, valued, and included moving forward.

Read more Girl taken to hospital after she’s hit by car in Raleigh on Buffaloe Road; 4 juveniles ran across road in dark: Police

“Unapologetic Mercy” is available on Amazon.