Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin created a bill in December that
would end unsafe practices of restraint and seclusion in schools. This bill was written after most incidents of
restraint were harmful or deadly. A
majority of the students involved in restraint had physical/mental challenges.
“Every child should be educated in a supportive, caring,
stimulating environment in which they are treated as an individual and provided
with the tools they need to succeed,” Harkin said in a statement. “This bill
will set long-overdue standards to protect children from physical and
psychological harm and ensure a safe learning environment for teachers and
students alike.”
This bill would state that children with physical/mental
challenges couldn’t be locked in unsupervised areas. Staff wouldn’t be allowed to use any form of mechanical
or chemical restraints. Restraint
methods would also be excluded from the child’s Individualized Education
Program and only used in emergency circumstances.
Harkin’s bill faces many obstacles in order to be
passed. The bill is receiving opposing
viewpoints from the American Association of Administrators. They state that the bill sets methods that
are too high when controlling restraint and seclusion.
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