State requires parents to okay putting students in isolation

Governor Jan Brewer has signed into law a rule that stops schools from putting students in isolation rooms without their parents’ consent.

In a letter that came with Wednesday’s announcement she was signing the bill into law, Brewer says putting out-of-control children into small, padded rooms for hours is chilling. Arizona was one of just five other states that didn’t regulate the practice of placing unruly students into isolation rooms.

Brewer says the new law is just a starting point, and that more legislation may be necessary next year. Schools now must ask parents’ permission before isolating students who might be a danger to themselves or others.

The bill cleared both chambers of the legislature with almost unanimous support. The rule takes effect for the upcoming school year.