Parents speak out against seclusion and restraint policies

By Keya Vakil

March 22, 2019

We wrote yesterday about the backlash over Fairfax County schools’ use of seclusion and restraint, and shortly after that, parents and advocates shared their outrage with the Virginia Board of Education.

The policies, which have been called harmful and psychologically damaging, also led to at least one student being physically injured. Carson Luke suffered two broken bones in his hand, a broken bone in his foot, and an open wound that required surgery.

Among other concerns are that restraints might restrict a student’s ability to breathe and that African Americans would be more likely to have the controversial measures used against them than white students.

The board is currently developing regulations to guide the policies and both the Governor and Attorney General will have the opportunity to review the regulations until April 19th, before anything becomes official.

Keya Vakil

Keya Vakil is the deputy political editor at COURIER. He previously worked as a researcher in the film industry and dabbled in the political world.

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