A recent U.S. Department of Education investigation into St. Johns County School District in Florida uncovered concerning levels of restraint used on students with disabilities. During the 2017-18 and 2018-19 school years, one student was restrained 126 times, and in 2018-19 alone, the district reported over 1,700 instances of restraint involving 153 students. Most of these cases occurred in just a handful of schools, particularly elementary schools with self-contained classrooms for students with behavioral needs. Following the investigation, St. Johns County School District agreed to make significant changes, such as conducting monthly reviews of restraint incidents, training staff on restraint protocols, and working with Individualized Education Program (IEP) and Section 504 teams to assess student needs and provide compensatory services if required. The district also pledged to document and monitor restraint cases closely to ensure compliance with updated policies. If your child's school has restrained them unnecessarily, you need a strong legal team on your side. Contact the Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team at 888-535-3686 or through our online form to protect your child's rights.

Inappropriate Disciplinary Actions Against Students with Disabilities

Schools often hand out disciplinary actions that are inappropriate, like restraint and seclusion, against students with disabilities, particularly those in special education programs, usually because of their unique behavioral needs. These methods are intended only for extreme situations. However teachers sometimes misapply them, leading to harmful experiences for vulnerable children. Tragically, cases have emerged across the country where restraint and seclusion have resulted in injury—and even death—of students with disabilities.

While restraining a student should only be used when a student poses an immediate danger, many schools continue to use it as a first-line measure rather than as a last resort. This can lead to distressing outcomes, with students returning home at the end of the day physically harmed and emotionally affected. It's vital that schools respect each child's dignity, and restraint should never be used as a convenient means of control. For parents, understanding and exercising their rights is critical, especially if they suspect that a school's actions have crossed the line into abuse.

Why Strong Legal Representation is Essential

If your child has been inappropriately restrained or disciplined due to their disability, pursuing legal action may be necessary to protect their rights and safety. Schools must adhere to laws that protect students with disabilities, and if they fail to do so, they can face legal consequences. Having a dedicated legal team can help you hold your child's school accountable and advocate for necessary changes in disciplinary policies.

Don't let inappropriate disciplinary tactics impact your child's education or well-being. Contact the Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team at 888-535-3686 or through our online form to fight for your student's rights and their future.