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Classroom restraint and seclusion would be regulated under new MI bills

Frank Liberati photo
Courtesy photo
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Rep. Frank Liberati

New legislation has been proposed that would restrict the use of seclusion and restraint of Michigan students to emergency situations only. We speak with the sponsor of one of the bills, State Representative Frank Liberati, and with Elmer Cerano, executive director of Michigan Protection and Advocacy Services.

Educational experts believe that the practices of restraint and seclusion should be used on students only in emergency situations. But Michigan is one of several states that doesn’t have laws regulating the practices.

New legislation has just been introduced to not only restrict the use of restraint and seclusion to emergency situations, but to implement positive behavioral support to reduce the number of difficulties in the classroom. The legislation is backed by Lt. Governor Brian Calley, and would also require educators to report when they use restraint and seclusion practices.

Current State speaks with Elmer Cerano, executive director of Michigan Protection and Advocacy Services. and the sponsor of one of these bills, State Representative Frank Liberati.

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