Every child deserves to be safe at school, and right now, far too many are not. We are asking you to lend your voice and your story to help pass the Keeping All Students Safe Act (KASSA).
Why KASSA matters
Across the country, children are still being restrained and secluded in their classrooms, often in response to behaviors that are a form of communication, not defiance. These practices can cause physical injury, lifelong trauma, and even death, and they disproportionately impact young disabled students and students of color.
Today, there is no comprehensive federal law that protects students from restraint and seclusion in schools, leaving a patchwork of weak or nonexistent state policies. Some states have taken action, but where you live should not determine whether your child is safe. These are human rights issues.
What the bill would do
The Keeping All Students Safe Act would, for the first time, establish strong national standards and consistent definitions to protect students from dangerous restraint and seclusion practices in schools. The bill would prohibit seclusion, ban dangerous forms of restraint, and limit physical restraint to true emergencies in which there is an imminent danger of serious physical injury to the student or others.
KASSA would also require data collection and reporting, standard definitions, and training and support to enable educators to use evidence-based, trauma-informed, and relationship-focused approaches rather than relying on coercive practices. These safeguards are essential to creating safe, inclusive school environments where all students, especially those with disabilities, can learn and thrive.
Why your story is so important
Policy changes do not happen because of statistics alone; they happen because of people. Members of Congress need to hear from families, educators, self-advocates, and community members about why this bill matters and what is at stake if we fail to act.
The Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint is a community centered around lived experience. We are composed of families whose children were restrained or secluded, educators who know there is a better way, and advocates committed to transforming school culture. Your voice can help show that this is not a rare problem; it is a national crisis that demands a federal solution.
Record a short video today
Below, you will find a form to submit a short video (60 seconds or less) explaining why you support the Keeping All Students Safe Act. Your video does not need to be polished or perfect; what matters is your authentic voice.
In your video, you might choose to:
- Share a personal story about restraint or seclusion, from your perspective as a student, parent, caregiver, or educator.
- Explain why you believe schools must move to trauma-informed, neuroscience-aligned, and neurodiversity-affirming practices.
- Talk about your hopes for safer, more inclusive classrooms and how KASSA is a step toward that future.
We will feature a selection of these videos on this page to amplify our collective message and to show lawmakers that people across the country are united in calling for change.
Why we support KASSA
Hear the voices of those who support the Keeping All Students Safe Act below.
A call to action
We have an opportunity right now to protect children, support educators, and change the culture of our schools. The Keeping All Students Safe Act has strong support from disability, civil rights, and education organizations, but it will only become law if we build a loud, sustained public demand for action.
Submit your video
Please take a few minutes today to record and submit your 30 to 60-second video. Then, share this page with your networks and invite others to do the same. Together, we can help end restraint and seclusion and keep all students safe.
