Outgoing U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona has called for an urgent shift away from the reactive practices of restraint and seclusion – which have been shown to cause physical injury, emotional trauma, and even death. With over 52,000 students subjected to restraint or seclusion in the 2020-21 school year, the practice disproportionately impacts students with disabilities and students of color, highlighting a troubling pattern of inequity in how students are treated. Rather than resorting to these harmful measures, Cardona advocates for proactive approaches such as multi-tiered systems of support, which focus on individualizing interventions to meet students’ social, emotional, and academic needs. These systems not only address behavioral challenges but also promote a culture of inclusion, safety, and belonging, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to thrive in a nurturing environment.
The shift away from restraint and seclusion represents a critical opportunity to enhance the well-being of students while fostering positive educational outcomes. The guidance issued by the Department of Education stresses the need for evidence-based tools and resources that support educators in managing classroom challenges without resorting to harmful practices. This transition is vital for creating educational spaces where every child, regardless of background or ability, feels safe, valued, and capable of success. As we move forward, it is essential that schools embrace these proactive strategies to build a more equitable and supportive educational system for all students.
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Cardona’s letter emphasizes that rather than schools using restraint and seclusion practices reactively, they should support students’ social, emotional, physical, and mental health needs through multi-tiered systems of support, which individualize interventions based on students’ needs. He also promoted creating early education and school programs that foster inclusion, safety and belonging.
