Dangerous Restraints Have No Place in School (New Mexico)

We don't know a lot about New Mexico schools districts' use of restraint and seclusion.

Due to poor data collection and underreporting, the scope of the issue around the inappropriate use these dangerous practices is unknown. As the Restraint and Seclusion in New Mexico Public Schools Working Group Report put it in a 2024 report: "New Mexico currently has no reliable data on the use of restraint and seclusion in the schools."

Families and advocates have shared stories of the repeat use of these dangerous practices on their children, particularly children with disabilities. This raises deep concerns about adequate student supports and the potential for discrimination and abuse.

There is mounting research showing the emotional, psychological, and physical harm caused by seclusion and restraint and there is no federal law regulating or prohibiting the practices in schools. It is therefore incumbent on states to protect school staff and students alike from these practices.

Restraint and seclusion do not enhance safety, are not therapeutic, and are not crisis prevention strategies. Banning the use of highly dangerous restraints - chemical, mechanical, and prone restraints - is a step in the right direction. HB 120 does just that.