WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pension Committee, on Tuesday released the following statement on the U.S. Department of Education’s new guidance on schools discipline practices:

“Our top priority should be making sure kids feel safe and supported in the classroom, and this new guidance is critical to achieving that goal. We know that students with disabilities are disproportionately subjected to ineffective, dangerous, and discriminatory school discipline practices, which this guidance rightfully seeks to correct. It’s unacceptable – and violates federal law – to seclude kids with disabilities in rooms, restrain them repeatedly, or remove them from school without the proper accommodations and support. I’m glad to see Secretary Cardona take this step to improve school environments and give teachers the tools to support the needs of students with disabilities. This is a great start, and I’ll continue pushing for comprehensive school discipline reform to ensure classrooms are safe for all students,” said Murphy.

Last year, Murphy led a letter calling on the Biden administration to address discriminatory and punitive school disciplinary measures. Murphy also reintroduced the Keeping All Students Safe Act, legislation to protect students from dangerous seclusion and restraint discipline practices in school, as well as the Protecting Our Students in Schools Act, legislation to prohibit the use of corporal punishment in all schools.  

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