FROM INDIANA PUBLIC BROADCASTING
A legislative effort to require Indiana schools to install cameras in special education classrooms and seclusion rooms has stalled.
The proposal, introduced by Republican Representative Becky Cash, was inspired by a WFYI investigation that found some Indiana schools are not accurately reporting how often they restrain and seclude students. Cash argued that cameras would help protect children, especially those with disabilities.
“Some kids are in these seclusion rooms for hours,” Cash said. “There’s no adult in these rooms. They’re locked in these rooms. So we just want cameras in there.”
However, school organizations opposed the measure, citing financial concerns. Bob Taylor, executive director of the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents, said many school districts support the idea but cannot afford to implement it without state funding.
“I’ve asked several districts, and many support the concept, but would like it to be with funding instead of an unfunded mandate,” Taylor said. “So it’s not the opposition to cameras or to recordings, because it does serve both student and staff.”
Ultimately, Cash removed the camera requirement from the bill, saying there wasn’t enough time to secure funding through the state budget. The decision was made during a House Education Committee hearing this week.
