Restraint and seclusion are dangerous practices which have led to death, broken limbs other injuries, and psychological trauma, and .disproportionately impact kids with intellectual and developmental disabilities Over the past 20 years, evidence has accumulated about the dangers of restraint and seclusion.

Virginia law requires the regulations governing seclusion and restraint to be consistent with the Fifteen Principles contained in the U.S. Department of Education’s Restraint and Seclusion Resource Document. The proposed Virginia regulations contain some strong measures to protect students from these harmful practices, but they remain inconsistent with the Fifteen Principles and must be improved.

I am writing in support of the Coalition for the Improvement of School Safety (CISS) platform, and asking the Board to ensure that the proposed regulations are consistent with the Fifteen Principles, as required by law.