Committee Statements

I want to begin by thanking our witnesses, especially Ms. Gaydos and Ms. Price, for being here to share their stories and experiences with us.

Today, we are going to hear testimony about the improper use of seclusion and restraints in our nation's public schools.

All students, but especially those with disabilities, have the right to attend a school that is a safe and rich learning environment.

Even in cases where students with disabilities have serious discipline problems and may be a threat to themselves, it is important that teachers and classroom aides use interventions and supports that are both physically and emotionally safe for the child.

While it is important that special education and general education teachers have the tools and skills that they need to maintain an orderly learning environment and protect themselves and their students in the classroom, there should never be justification for secluding a student in a room without proper adult supervision or restraining a student so that he or she cannot breathe.

This is child abuse, plain and simple, and it has no role in our nation's schools.

With that said, we do know that certain techniques can be used to restore order in a classroom and protect students without harm. But it isn’t black and white. And the safety and well being of these children must always be the highest priority.

Once you reject the extreme procedures and techniques that we will hear about today, there is a gray area schools must grapple with. Perhaps the greatest lesson from these tragic stories is the need for greater training and understanding among teachers and classroom aides to prevent these stories from being repeated.

This is not a pleasant topic for any of us, but especially for the parents who have lost so much.

 

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