Charles Norwood: “Mr. Chairman, I will close this up by making an appeal to the good folks on the other side. I know that they are big…”

“Mr. Chairman, I will close this up by making an appeal to the good folks on the other side. I know that they are big defenders of the disability education program, as well they should be. This program was passed by Congress to address real and serious problems. Special needs students were often not given an opportunity to get an education in this country. The Disabilities Education Act fixed that. It does not mean that it is perfect, but it takes a step in the right direction. But that is yesterday's problem that we did take the right step. Mr. Chairman, today's problem with disciplining special needs students is just as real. In fact, it is causing a growing backlash against IDEA. My teachers and superintendents are pleading for relief here. Nonspecial need parents are seriously questioning special and unequal treatment of students regarding discipline. There is a backlash here. Mr. Chairman, I appeal to my colleagues, in their zeal to protect the legacy of this program, do not overlook this problem by supporting this reasonable change. My colleagues will do much to stop this growing backlash against IDEA without hurting education for special needs students. Let me assure my colleagues, this amendment will not encourage schools to engage in mass expulsions of special needs students. This amendment has solid safeguards to make sure this does not happen. Let me be very clear.…”