Slate Valley is Fighting Transparency

We’re fighting back. The district is appealing the decision requiring them to release properly redacted restraint and seclusion documents. We’re cross-appealing the decision to redact whether the student has a disability.

It’s important to know what percentage of kids who are restrained and secluded have disabilities. This time, I’m hiring a top attorney. This is too important.

Superior Court erred in ordering redacted from Form 4500s item j, which contains the following information: “whether any student had a behavioral intervention plan and/or individualized education plan, Section 504 plan or educational support plan.”

There is a significant public interest in knowing what percentage of students who are restrained and secluded have disabilities. Advocates for students with disabilities have long suspected that students with the disabilities disproportionately receive restraint and seclusion, but there has been no data to support the belief. Such information could inform public policy.

There is already a firewall to protect the identity of students on plans. The ordered redaction is not necessary. Please help. Every little bit is appreciated.