LETTER: Ban the use of seclusion in our schools
April 14, 2023To the Community:
Harwood Unified Union School District’s proposed Restraint and Seclusion policy bans the use of prone restraints and supine restraints. The policy does NOT ban seclusion beyond restrictions already in place through state Rule 4500. Below is a comparison of Rule 4500 and HUUSD's proposed policy regarding the use of seclusion.
Rule 4500: Section 4502.2 Permissible Use of Seclusion
Seclusion not otherwise prohibited by these rules, may be used only:
a. When a student's behavior poses an imminent and substantial risk of physical injury to the student or others;
b. When less restrictive interventions have failed or would be ineffective in stopping such imminent risk of physical injury;
c. As a temporary intervention;
d. When physical restraint is contraindicated;
e. When there is no known developmental, medical, psychological or other contraindication to its use;
f. When the student is visually monitored at all times by an adult; and
g. In a space large enough to permit safe movement that is adequately lit, heated, ventilated, free of sharp or otherwise dangerous objects; and in compliance with all fire and safety codes.
HUUSD's proposed policy (excerpt)
5. Notwithstanding Vermont State Board of Education Rule 4502.2, a prohibition on the use of seclusion in all district schools, except in situations where physical restraint is contraindicated for a particular student.
The criteria in Rule 4502.2 sets the minimum requirements for the use of seclusion in Vermont schools. All of the criteria listed in Rule 4502.2 will continue to apply regardless of the district policy. For example, section a. “When a student's behavior poses an imminent and substantial risk of physical injury to the student or others” still applies even if seclusion is in a student's plan because restraint is contraindicated.
The HUUSD proposed policy language “except in situations where physical restraint is contraindicated for a particular student” only restates Vermont Rule 4502.2 section d. “When physical restraint is contraindicated.” Rule 4500 only sets the criteria for when restraint and seclusion may be used, it does not require schools to use restraint and/or seclusion.
I encourage the HUUSD School Board to ask themselves if the minimum restrictions in Rule 4500 have been effective in our district and urge them to place a ban on the use of seclusion within district schools.
Brian Dalla Mura
Duxbury
Brian Dalla Mura is a special education teacher formerly at Brookside Primary School and a prior member of the HUUSD School Board.