LETTER: Concerning language in HUUSD job postings
September 3, 2024To the Community:
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the language the Harwood Unified Union School District is using in its job postings, particularly concerning restraint practices. Over the past two years, our community has rightly focused on the understanding that restraint is a last-resort safety intervention. It is an action that is inherently dangerous and harmful to both students and staff.
However, the language in recent job postings seems to contradict this understanding. The district’s use of the term “assist” in relation to restraint is especially troubling, as it suggests a minimization of the gravity involved in physical interventions. Additionally, the description of “non-aversive restraint techniques” implies a fundamental misunderstanding of the principles surrounding restraint.
I must ask: Does the Harwood Unified Union School District truly believe that restraints can be “non-aversive”? If so, this raises serious concerns about the district’s competency in using restraint at all. Restraint, by its very nature, is an aversive intervention. It should never be minimized or presented as something benign.
Consider these phrases from the district’s recent job postings:
“Assist with interventions to avoid negative explosive behaviors, and to deal with such behavior if needed, using non-aversive restraint techniques in accordance with established protocols.” - From a job description for an Elementary Student Support Specialist at Waitsfield Elementary School.
“Assist students physically as required. Such could include implementing non-aversive restraint techniques in accordance with established protocols as necessary.” - from a job description for an Instructional Assistant/Paraeducator at Fayston Elementary School.
This language is particularly concerning for new staff in entry-level positions, for whom this may be their first experience with these types of safety interventions. Misleading job postings can result in under-prepared staff who may not fully grasp the risks and responsibilities associated with restraint, ultimately compromising student safety.
Our community has worked hard to move away from reliance on restraint and seclusion as behavioral interventions. The district’s current language threatens to undermine that progress. It is imperative that we maintain clarity on the dangers of restraint and ensure that it is only used when absolutely necessary and by individuals fully trained and competent to do so.
The district must reconsider its use of language and its approach to restraint. Our students’ safety depends on it.
Brian Dalla Mura
Duxbury