Posted by Jim Love on April 11, 2013 · Leave a Comment
I admit it; I am not the most patient person in the world. I can become easily annoyed. As a result I know there are just some jobs that are not a good fit for me. As much as I respect those who are able to work with kids with emotional disabilities, I know it’s not something I could do.
It seems there are many who are not as self aware, who work with those needing special care and fail to meet the need. Imagine administering electric shock to a child for acting up, or locking them into a duffel bag or padded room. A padded room for hours on end, no windows no interaction. According to a story on World News with Diane Sawyer, this happens on a regular basis in many public schools across the country.
According to the piece, there are no national standards that regulate the punishment or restraints used on school children. Only 17 states have laws that prohibit cruel punishment leaving 33 states that have no such laws. Highlighted in this story – one boy died after being wrestled to the ground by teachers because he refused to stop playing basketball.
This is the US, how can this happen? The duffel bags used are described as specially designed. Really? Who designs duffel bags to control unruly kids? The only bit of good news is that there is an effort on Capitol Hill by some members of congress to outlaw such behavior. Please- get behind these efforts. This needs to stop. As many of the kids who are subjected to this punishment are autistic – and as many autistic kids are unable to speak for themselves- won’t you please speak up for them.
I admit it; I’m no expert on using social media to bring about change. But I have heard about it happening. I believe if enough people want this to end, stand up to stop such barbaric behavior, it will end. Please watch the story (above), click on this link to read more about it on the ABC “Blotter” and take action to make this stop.
