The Justice Department has reached a settlement with the Okaloosa County School District in Florida over allegations the district used bodily and verbal abuse on students with disabilities. File picture by zeevveez/Flickr
Dec. 21 (UPI) — The Justice Department has reached a settlement with the Okaloosa County School District in Florida over allegations the district used bodily and verbal abuse on students with disabilities.
The division announced the settlement on Wednesday after discovering the school district had violated Title II of the American with Disabilities Act for the discriminatory use of seclusion and restraint on students, earlier than making an attempt different behavior-management or de-escalation methods. In some circumstances, the division stated students with disabilities had been injured, whereas others misplaced hours of sophistication time.
“All children deserve an opportunity to learn and thrive in a safe and supportive environment,” stated Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
“Schools must provide students with disabilities appropriate educational supports and cannot resort to practices that physically and mentally harm them.”
Under the settlement settlement, the Okaloosa County School District voluntarily agreed to ban seclusion, to reform its restraint practices and to enhance its employees coaching. The school district additionally agreed to strengthen its inside investigations whereas making it simpler for students and oldsters to file complaints.
In addition, the district plans to overview its procedures for a way students with disabilities are restrained throughout transport or on buses.
The school district stated it is going to designate an administrator to oversee different companies, together with transportation and behavioral employees, to ensure that there may be compliance with the Justice Department settlement and with Title II of the ADA.
“We commend the Okaloosa County School District for agreeing to remedy the problems brought to light by the department’s investigation, by employing effective and non-discriminatory tools and protocols when handling behavioral matters in its schools,” stated U.S. Attorney Jason Coody for the Northern District of Florida.
“We stand with our colleagues in the Civil Rights Division in the fight to redress discrimination against students with disabilities in school.”