In a disturbing incident that raises serious questions about how we treat our children, especially those from marginalized communities, a 7-year-old boy named Jordan Smith was handcuffed at his school for simply expressing his emotions. This event took place in 2016 when Jordan, a second grader in Kansas City, faced relentless bullying due to a speech impairment. After being taunted by a classmate, he became overwhelmed and began to cry. Instead of providing support, the teacher summoned the school resource officer, who took Jordan out of class.
As Jordan struggled to calm down, Officer Mike Harrison made the shocking decision to place the young boy in handcuffs. The child, who was just shy of four feet tall and weighed only 50 pounds, was left restrained in the principal’s office for a full 15 minutes until his mother arrived. The ACLU has since stepped in, filing a lawsuit against the school district for what they describe as an excessive use of force that violated Jordan’s rights under the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments. This child was not committing a crime, nor was he a threat to anyone, stated ACLU representative Sarah Thompson. Handcuffing a child is not just excessive; it’s unconstitutional.
The ACLU also highlighted that school policies dictate that restraints should only be employed in extreme situations. Following this incident, Jordan’s mother, Lisa Smith, felt compelled to remove her son from the school system, opting to homeschool him for two years due to her concerns for his safety. After all, how can a parent feel confident sending their child to a place where they are treated as a potential danger?
Reports indicate that a spokesperson for the school district, Jenna Wright, defended the officer’s actions, claiming they were in line with district protocols. It’s troubling to think that such a mindset exists, especially given the troubling statistics surrounding discipline in schools. Studies have consistently shown that Black children are often perceived as older and less innocent than their white peers. This bias leads to disproportionate disciplinary actions against them.
Research from the Department of Education confirms that Black students are subjected to harsher punishments compared to their white counterparts. Though Black students made up 18% of enrollment, they accounted for a staggering 35% of suspensions and 39% of expulsions. These numbers illustrate a systemic issue that cannot be ignored.
As Jesse Williams eloquently stated, “The existence of your neighbor’s pain is not dependent upon your belief in it.” Acknowledging these disparities is crucial for progress. If lawsuits are necessary to prompt school districts to confront their biases, then so be it. Change must happen.
Lisa Smith voiced her concerns, stating, “No child should be handcuffed at school. This needs to stop.” She hopes that by sharing her story, others will recognize the urgency of this issue.
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In summary, the handcuffing of a young child for merely crying in distress highlights a deep-seated issue within our educational system regarding the treatment of Black children. It’s a wake-up call that we must heed to ensure the safety and well-being of all children in schools.
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