Mussman Reevaluation of Isolation and Restraint in Schools

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg calls for the General Assembly to do a thorough investigation to inform changes to current regulations regarding isolation and time out rooms and also the use of physical restraint in with in our school buildings.

“The recent report showing that isolation has been used as a primary form of punishment for special needs students and others, even for minor offenses, is extremely disturbing. Our children deserve better,” said Mussman. “Isolation as a form of punishment has no benefit for the child, and can instead be an extremely traumatic experience for them especially if they do not understand why they are being punished in the first place.”

A recent investigative report by the Chicago Tribune and ProPublica Illinois revealed that students in Illinois schools were being isolated and secluded as a means of behavior control at alarming rates, disproportionately impacting students with special needs. Mussman is backing House Bill 3975, to begin the discussion of how current law can be improved to protect children from practices that are detrimental to their mental or physical wellbeing.

“Children deserve to feel that their schools are safe spaces that foster learning and allow them to be kids and make mistakes without fear of severe punishment,” continued Mussman. “I will continue fighting to protect students across the state and working to ensure Illinois schools are positive environments that provide our children the world-class education they deserve.”

Mussman represents the 56th District, which contains portions of Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Elk Grove Village, Hanover Park, Roselle, Rolling Meadows and Palatine.