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How Should Teachers Handle Violent Students? (Reader Response)

Helen Cunningham responded to The Dissenter’s coverage of a new ACLU lawsuit which alleges a Kentucky sheriff handcuffed two disabled children in their school:

Forgetting about the thug sheriff for a moment — there is a real issue here when children with disabilities in school become violent. My little cousin was victimized constantly by a little girl with disabilities who spat at her and punched her in the face in public. The school said they had no resources to constantly monitor the girl — the only alternative was to home school, My cousin changed schools.

Here is an NEA document.

I don’t know what the right answer is.

Helen shared this document with us:

Dealing with Violent Behavior

Kevin responded:

It is a very tough issue. I do not know the answer either. I do believe that handcuffing children with disabilities cannot or should not be part of the solution. That only escalates and adds to outbursts or mental health crises.

I think we can all agree that it sounds like the sheriff acted inappropriately. What can schools do to ensure everyone gets a good, safe education?

Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below, or you can Share Anything With Us.

Kit OConnell

Kit OConnell

Kit O’Connell is a gonzo journalist and radical troublemaker from Austin, Texas. He is the Associate Editor and Community Manager of Shadowproof. Kit's investigative journalism has appeared in Truthout, MintPress News and Occupy.com.