Wisconsin has joined other states in passing laws regulating the use of restraints and seclusion at school. Gov. Scott Walker signed a bill last week that bans school employees from isolating or restraining students except in cases where they are in immediate danger of hurting themselves or others. Students may only be secluded as long as necessary to resolve any risk of danger.
In addition, school employees must be trained in how to safely restrain and isolate students, and parents must be informed if their child is subjected to either action.
Wisconsin joins a number of states that have written their own laws about restraints and seclusion, which federal data show disproportionately affect children with disabilities. Federal legislation proposed during the last few years has stalled.
