From this Times Op-Ed, A Terrifying Way to Discipline Children:
[I]n today’s often overcrowded and underfunded schools, where one in eight students receive help for special learning needs, the use of physical restraints and seclusion rooms has become a common way to maintain order.
It’s a dangerous development, as I know from my daughter’s experience. At the age of 5, she was kept in a seclusion room for up to an hour at a time over the course of three months, until we discovered what was happening.
…
We were told that Rose had been in the closet almost daily for three months, for up to an hour at a time. At first, it was for behavior issues, but later for not following directions. Once in the closet, Rose would pound on the door, or scream for help, staff members said, and once her hand was slammed in the doorjamb while being locked inside.
All I can think to say is that I am glad we are teaching Foucault in our theory class this term: “Is it surprising that prisons resemble factories, schools, barracks, hospitals, which all resemble prisons?”
Nicole
/ September 8, 2012Weird. Seems like if a parent did this in a private residence, they would be under investigation for child abuse, yet somehow this passes for discipline at a school? I can’t say I’m well versed in Foucault’s work (I’ve been out of grad school for over 5 years) but he certainly does raise an interesting question.