April 13, 2026
RE: SF 4677 – Restrictive Procedures and Seclusion in Schools
Chair Kunesh and Members of the Committee,
The Minnesota Council on Disability serves as an advisor and liaison between Minnesotans with disabilities and the legislature. Our mission is to advance a barrier-free Minnesota through policy, training, and technical assistance.
We are writing today to oppose SF 4677.
For years, we have heard troubling stories from parents about their children being locked in closets or other rooms as a punishment for behavior. Rather than utilizing more effective methods of addressing behavioral concerns such as positive behavioral supports and de-escalation techniques, schools have often resorted to seclusion. In fact, we have heard of students that have been placed in seclusion rooms more than 100+ times in a single school year. Recent reports have also shown that seclusion rooms are often unsafe environments for children and can lead to worsening mental health. Simply put, seclusion is ineffective and harmful for students with disabilities and denies them the right to a quality public education.
For this reason, advocates have worked for years to ban this practice of seclusion across our state, which is another name for solitary confinement at schools. In 2023, Minnesota took a significant step forward by banning seclusion for students in kindergarten through third grade. We applauded this move by the legislature and believe that it was the right decision. It was clear that young elementary aged students, even with behavioral or mental health issues, should not be subject to seclusion and isolation.
The current bill seeks to undo this progress by allowing for the continued use of seclusion until 2036. While it does provide some safeguards such as reporting requirements, training for de-escalation, and requiring parental consent, it does not ultimately prevent harm to students with disabilities. We have concerns that reversing the ban will lead to an increase in isolation, mental health challenges, and segregation of students with disabilities. This violates our state’s commitment to equity and inclusion.
Every child regardless of whether they have a disability deserves a quality, safe, supportive education. We strongly urge members of the committee to maintain the ban on seclusion and continue building on the progress we have made.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need additional information and would like to discuss our concerns further.
Sincerely,
Sumukha Terakanambi (he/him)
Public Policy Consultant
Minnesota Council on Disability
Sumukha.Terakanamb@state.mn.us
Joel Runnels, PhD
Legislative Affairs Director
Minnesota Council on Disability
Joel.Runnels@state.mn.us
David Dively
Executive Director
Minnesota Council on Disability
David.Dively@state.mn.us