We have many emotionally disturbed children in our schools nationwide that, through federal government mandate, the IDEA ( Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ) and FAPE (right to a free and public education), many aides, staff, and innocent students are being hurt at school.
One would think that the rights of the other students and staff would outweigh the rights of just one student but that would be wrong. If the violent behavior is a result or manifestation of the child's diagnosis, the school puts everyone else at risk in order to comply with federal regulations..
This is what I'm currently fighting in my school district as I have been hit, kicked, bit, punched, and objects thrown at me. The student isn't even sent home for the day as too many suspensions would violate his right to a free and public education. Alternative education would be at the cost of the school district and they aren't willing to pay extra money.
I'm not ready to retire and I hate for one student to drive me out of a job that I love but something has to change.
I wish I had the answer for you. The days of corporal punishment are gone as are the days of separating the unruly from the rest. Where I am in Missouri, the unruly ones do get separated and sent to the alternative school.