Gov. Whitmer: 'Clear' Michigan lawmakers can improve seclusion and restraint laws

[marmar]

(Detroit Free Press) Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says Michigan should improve how it regulates the usage of a controversial tactic educators deployed nearly 94,000 times since lawmakers tried to tamp down on the maneuvers, frequently used on children with disabilities in a manner experts believe can cause lasting trauma.

Leading Democrats in the state House and Senate echoed the call, with one saying the findings of a recent Free Press investigation that showed educators rampantly secluding and restraining children in educational settings despite laws meant to reduce both practices indicates "the need to revisit the issue."

In a statement last week, Whitmer spokesman Bobby Leddy said the state can do more to curtail how adults use seclusion and restraint in educational settings.

“Former Lt. Governor (Brian) Calley made great strides to limit these practices, but it’s clear that there could be improvements to the law, which already prohibits seclusion and restraint except in emergency situations, to keep students, teachers, support staff, and education professionals safe. We are eager partners with anyone who wants to take proven steps to protect students," Leddy said in an emailed statement. ..............(more)

https://www.freep.com/story/news/politics/2022/11/29/whitmer-clear-michigan-can-improve-seclusion-and-restraint-laws/69682096007/