WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, released the following statement in response to recent news that a deputy sheriff in Kentucky restrained and shackled two elementary school children using handcuffs:

“This video is horrifying, but unfortunately not surprising. The overuse and unconscionable abuse of physical restraints on disabled children is an epidemic in our country, and it needs to stop,” said Murphy. “Instead of using ineffective and harsh methods to address behavioral issues, we should be developing support services for schools and educators to help them meet the unique needs and disabilities of their students. In contrast to the disturbing treatment seen in the video, compassionate and developmentally appropriate behavioral interventions are proven to achieve better outcomes for our students. That’s why I introduced an amendment to the Senate education bill that will require states to prevent the use of seclusion and restraint in our schools, and it’s why I also requested that the Community Oriented Policing Services Program implement guidelines and training for law enforcement officers who work in our school systems. 

Murphy continued, “Thankfully, my Senate colleagues supported these new requirements and I am hopeful that they will soon be enacted into law, but we clearly still have a lot work to do. I look forward to working with educators and advocates in Connecticut and across the country to continue developing even more effective and holistic alternatives that actually give young people the help they need to be successful at home, at school, and in their communities.”