Wisconsin DPI Report Should be a Wake-Up Call to the Wisconsin Legislature to Enact a Full Ban on Physical Restraint in Educational Settings and End the Loopholes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 16, 2025

Wisconsin DPI Report Should be a Wake-Up Call to the Wisconsin Legislature to Enact a Full Ban on Physical Restraint in Educational Settings and End the Loopholes

SUN PRAIRIE, WIS. – The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI)  issued a report on April 14, 2025 relating to seclusion and restraint incidents in the Badger State’s educational settings.  The latest report found a 15.3 increase in seclusion along with a 16.9 percent increase in restraint incidents from the 2022-2023 to the 2023-2024 school years. Americans for Autism Advocacy (AFAA) issues the following comment relating to the report’s findings:

“Every person in Wisconsin who truly cares for the state’s special education students should be alarmed by the double digit increase in the use of seclusion and restraint usage in schools.  An over 15 percent increase in both seclusion and restraint incidents from the 2022-2023 to the 2023-2024 school years is totally unacceptable.  Every member of the Wisconsin Legislature regardless of party affiliation is now on notice to address these concerns. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) and Madam Senate President Mary Felzkowski (R-Tomahawk) must urge their fellow legislators to introduce legislation that completely bans the usage of physical restraint in educational settings and end the loopholes present in current law. Wisconsin’s status as a national leader on special education is on the line.  Badger State lawmakers must put partisanship aside to solve this crisis.”