[OnyxCougar]

BigV, you are missing a big BIG chunk of the story here, one that MUST be considered before further dialog and discussion can take place:

(1) Is the child special needs.

If the child is special needs, then what kind of special needs is crucial. To Autistics and Asperger's children, (and a variety of syndroms like them) you touch them, you might as well have lit them on fire. It is BAD BAD BAD.

(2) What is the previous history with this child?

I agree with most of your post. I think RESPONSIBLE parents don't have a problem with this, because they are, well, responsible. Like yourself. As a parent, you would obviously rather come to the school and pick your child up or calm your child down rather than see your child handcuffed.

But if you are the kind of parent that won't come pick the child up, or teach the child basic discipline and good behavior, then what else do expect the school to do? We do know that the school called the child's parents and they never came. After 45 minutes, it's police calling time.

BigV, you're looking at this from a respectable, responsible, INVOLVED parent perspective. From that perspective, you're absolutely right on all points.

But you're missing the reality of the situation. The reality is that regardless of Jaieesha's "needs", (special or otherwise), her mother DID NOT SHOW UP when she was advised the school could no longer contain the child. That tells me VOLUMES. What kind of parent won't go get thier kid?? The same kind that isn't teaching good behavior, respect, responsiblity, etc etc.

This is the SAME KIND OF PARENT who will sue the school quick as you can BLINK for restraining her child "improperly".

The same kind of person that sue McDonald's for hot coffee.

It happens. It's not right. It's not fair. But it happens. Teachers CANNOT ignore the legalistic viewpoint because ALL TOO OFTEN it means their job.

I'm sorry you don't like that. I don't like it either. But that doesn't change how things are.