James M. Jeffords: “I wish to speak in strong opposition to the amendment. I understand the emotionalism that has gone on in our States…”

“I wish to speak in strong opposition to the amendment. I understand the emotionalism that has gone on in our States throughout this Nation over the years, and even up to the point that we speak, about the problems that were created, and which the Senator from Washington is attempting to address. I point out, first of all, that the bill tries its best to preserve the order in the classroom through uniform policies for all school districts, and to ensure that every child with a disability is treated fairly, but also balances the needs of those in the classroom to have a safe and peaceful, shall we say, learning environment. That is done. The House voted yesterday with only three dissenting votes on this bill, recognizing that those kinds of balances had been reached after an incredible effort on the part of so many to give us a bill that everyone who is deeply involved in this issue can agree with. I know this body respects the order that is necessary in the classroom and also the ability of local schools to be able to try and accommodate the interests of all, but I believe this bill, by doing this, what it says is, ``notwithstanding any other provision of this act, each State, educational agency or local educational agency may establish and implement uniform policies with respect to discipline and order.'' Now, what does that mean? I do not know. But if it means what it says, it wipes out everything. It would be contrary to what they want to do.”