The use of corporal punishment, mechanical restraint and/or prone restraint is prohibited in all schools. Corporal punishment is defined as the intentional physical punishment of a student and is prohibited. It includes the use of unreasonable or unnecessary physical force or physical contact made with the intent to harm or cause pain. No employee is prohibited from:
Using reasonable and necessary force, not designed or intended to cause pain, in order to accomplish any of the following:
Mechanical restraint means the use of a device as a means of restricting a student's freedom of movement. Mechanical restraint does not mean a device used by a trained individual for specific approved therapeutic or safety pusposes for which the device was designed and, if applicable, prescribec, including restraints for medical immobilization, adaptive devices or mechanical supports used to allow greater freedom of mobility than would be possible without use of such devices or mechanical supports; and vehicle safety restraints when used as intended during the transport of a student in a moving vehicle.
Prone restraint means any restraint in which the student is held face down on the floor.
Reasonable force should be commensurate with the circumstances of the situation. The following factors should be considered in using reasonable physical force for the reasons stated in this policy:
Upon request, the student's parents shall be given an explanation of the reasons for physical force.
It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.
Legal REference: Ingraham v. Wright, 430 U.S. 651 (1977).; Goss v. Lopez, 419 U.S. 565 (1975).; Tinkham v. Kole, 252 Iowa 1303, 110 N.W. 2d 258 (1961).; Iowa Code 279.8; 280.21; 281 I.A.C. 12.3(6); 103.
Cross Reference: 402.3--Abuse of Students by School District Employees; 502--Student Rights and Responsibilities; 503--Student Discipline; 503.6--Physical Restraint and Seclusion
Approved: 8/17/1995
Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 12/13/2017' 9/20/22
Revised: