The House voted to approve a bill that restricts the use of forcible restraint and seclusion as a form of discipline in schools. This bill provides the first comprehensive protections for children against abusive disciplinary actions by schools. The bill says that children cannot be held down, drugged, or isolated in a locked room to control their behavior. The bill prohibits, except in cases of imminent danger, the use of any restraint that restricts breathing, any mechanical restraint (like straps), and any chemical restraint by drugs other than those prescribed by the child's doctor. One of the sponsors of the bill said, "Restraints and seclusion are complicated practices. They are emergency interventions that should be used only as a last resort, and only by trained professionals." The bill says that "time outs" are still allowed, but the child cannot be locked in a room, away from supervision. Furthermore, the bill requires states to keep careful records of incidents of restraint and seclusion, and for schools to report these incidents immediately to the parents.
In approving the bill, the House sided with dozens of disability groups, as well as the American Federation of Teachers (and sided against some private school groups...yikes). The legislation was motivated in part by a government report last year that found evidence that hundreds of children -- from preschool age to high school -- had been traumatized or physically harmed by being held down, locked alone in a room, or even being tired to chairs. These disciplinary measures were used against students in "regular" classes, as well as students with developmental problems or were in special needs programs. Some children have even died from overly aggressive discipline.
The companion bill in the Senate is expected to be debated this year (this bill better pass the Senate!). If the bill becomes law, it will apply to any school receiving federal money. (Full Story)
I'm glad this passed, but I'm kind of concerned about a couple of things. First, how the hell is this not already a national law? How is it that this bill provides the first comprehensive protections for children against disciplinary abuse in schools? I know that individual schools and states have passed protections and instituted bans already, but how did Congress not tackle this issue already? My second concern is that this bill passed 262 to 153 (238 Democrats and 24 Republicans). How did 153 people vote against this bill? How could they possibly explain or justify voting against this? Given the huge differential between Democrats and Republicans, I'm "hoping" (I guess) that this is simply partisan politics -- that Republicans voted against it just because they're trying to be difficult and go against the Democrats (and that's why only 24 Republicans broke party ranks). I never thought I'd say that I was hoping for partisan politics...but I hope that's the case and NOT that 153 people voted against this because they want to continue to allow schools to restrain and seclude children as a disciplinary measure.
Yesterday, Washington D.C. became the sixth place in the United States where same-sex marriages can legally be performed. Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont also issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
The Washington D.C. council had passed the gay marriage bill and it was signed into law by Mayor Adrian Fenty in December. However, since D.C. is not a state and is under Congressional control (which is ridiculous), the law had to first undergo Congressional review. Congress had 30 (in-session) days to block it. The law ended up surviving attempts to block it in Congress, and the review period officially ended on Tuesday. In addition, Chief Justice John Roberts Jr. rejected a request on Tuesday from opponents of same-sex marriage to have the U.S. Supreme Court delay the D.C. law. I'm glad Chief Justice Roberts didn't interfere with the law or stand in its way (although I would be up for the issue being taken up by the Court in an attempt to rule that amendments that ban same-sex marriage are unconstitutional -- though with the make-up of this court, I don't think the ruling would go the way it should go). Despite failing in court, opponents of the law vowed to continue fighting. Just get over it and realize how this decision doesn't affect your life at all. On Tuesday, the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington limited their employee health care benefits to avoid the coverage of same-sex couples. Way to make Jesus proud!
At the Marriage Bureau in DC, they have now changed their license applications. They now ask for the name of each spouse, instead of the bride and the groom. And officials who perform weddings now say "I now pronounce you legally married." Court officials said that, on a typical day, they usually process 10 marriage applications. By late Wednesday afternoon, more than 140 couples had filed marriage applications. Though, because of a mandatory waiting period, couples will not be able to marry in D.C. until Tuesday.
City officials also reported that the new law will provide a boost to the local economy. A study by the Williams Institute at UCLA predicted that more than 14,000 same-sex marriages would occur in D.C. over the next three years. This will bring in $5 million in new tax revenue and create 700 jobs.
In response to the D.C. gay marriage law, the attorney general of Maryland issued a legal opinion that the state will now recognize same-sex marriages performed in other places. Some believe that the next step in Maryland will be to allow same-sex marriages to be performed in the state. (Full Story)
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