September 17, 2015

WHAT: The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) will hold apublic hearingat the request of the American Civil Liberties of Mississippi (ACLU of MS) to address concerns regarding proposed policy4013-Restraint and Seclusion, which provides a model for all school districts in Mississippi.

The ACLU of MS and other community partners have identified legal and practical problems with the proposed policy, including the lack of prevention as the cornerstone of the policy. 4013-Restraint and Seclusionfails to address clear minimum standards for local school districts, lacks clear definitions/terminology, and needs to align with existing statutes covering special needs, such as Individualized Education Plans (IEP), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP), and 504 Plans.

The community at-large is invited to hear about these concerns as well as voice their opinions on how to make this policy more inclusive of protecting the most vulnerable in our state.

WHEN: Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: MS School for the Deaf and Blind Auditorium, 1252 Eastover Drive, Jackson, MS

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please contact the ACLU of Mississippi at 601.354.3408.