Reflection on Tennessee Bill

 

(Image Description: Police handcuffs are shown.)

Reflection on Tennessee Bill

In my home state of Tennessee, there is a new troubling bill coming out that allows school resource officers to handcuff young children with disabilities in school. The bill is called HB0127, and reads that "A school resource officer, school security officer, or other law enforcement officer who is trained and certified for completing a behavior intervention training program may use a mechanical restraint on a student receiving special education services in an emergency situation."

I think that this bill is absolutely not okay. This would make the student afraid of officers and overall uncomfortable in their school environment. While some students may act out in class, our society needs to find another solution than handcuffing them. Some other techniques that special educators may use are taking the student into a "quiet room" or engaging them in another enjoyable activity, both of which have produced positive results in the past.

It's never okay to handcuff any child if they act out in class or have bad behavior. What makes students upset is usually the reason why they are acting out. By handcuffing the student, they will become even more frustrated, potentially resorting to more bad behavior. 

But more importantly, the student will fear school resource officers, as well as their teacher for calling the officer, and forever remember this incident when they are older. This is not a positive punishment, but rather a violation of their privacy and right to feel safe at school.

As an adult with a disability, I believe we need to rethink this measure and try a different approach. Tennessee lawmakers could potentially consult special educators and behavioral specialists and find a more equitable solution that works well for both the student and officer. Whatever the new solution may be, this current bill is deeply problematic and sets a dangerous precedent for other states. I call on lawmakers to take action to protect the wellbeing of students with IDD across the country.

Read more about the bill here.

In friendship,

Jamie Galvin

YLC Member, Tennessee