Michigan pushes new bill to ban seclusion and tighten restraint rules in schools
A draft bill backed by Sen. Stephanie Chang would outlaw seclusion and limit restraint to true emergencies, aiming to curb nearly 18,000 incidents recorded in 2024-25.
Michigan schools reported almost 18,000 instances of seclusion or restraint during the 2024-25 school year, a majority involving students with disabilities. Senator Stephanie Chang plans to introduce a bill this fall that would prohibit seclusion entirely and allow restraint only in emergencies where serious bodily injury is imminent. Districts judged to over-use restraint would have to report reduction strategies, with the state education department setting the excess threshold.
Advocacy group EndSaR, led by Cassie Atallah, argues additional safeguards are essential, while Kent Intermediate School District’s Kirsten Myers cautions that removing these measures could leave educators without options in severe crises. The bill also calls for mandatory trauma-informed training for staff, though some districts already offer similar programs through state associations. The Michigan Department of Education has not taken a formal stance but notes ongoing collaboration on training and safety initiatives.
Why it matters
The proposal could dramatically change how Michigan schools handle behavioral crises, affecting thousands of vulnerable students.
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