Virginia Foxx: “No one wants children to be in danger in this country, especially children who are in public institutions designed to…”

“No one wants children to be in danger in this country, especially children who are in public institutions designed to serve them. Teachers, principals, and other school personnel have a responsibility to ensure the environment is maintained at all times. In many cases, it is vitally important, though, that teachers and classroom aides use interventions and supports that are both physically and emotionally safe for the child. What the bill before us fails to recognize is that 31 States currently have laws and regulations in place that govern the use of seclusion and restraints in schools. An additional 11 have policies and guidelines in place, and in some cases school districts may also have their own guidelines governing the use of such practices in the classroom. In addition, the Federal Government has no reliable data on the prevalent use of harmful seclusion and restraint techniques in public and private schools and whether they result in child abuse. It is my belief that State and local governments can identify student needs and determine the most appropriate regulations better and more efficiently than the Federal Government.”