When will society start recognizing that our children, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, deserve to be treated as children?
In 2014, a young boy named Jamal Sanders, just in second grade and living in Kansas City, was subjected to bullying due to a hearing impairment. When a classmate began to mock him, Jamal became overwhelmed with emotion, crying and shouting in distress. The teacher, rather than providing support, called in the school resource officer, Alex Johnson, who then removed Jamal from the classroom and escorted him to the principal’s office.
As Jamal struggled to regain his composure and follow Officer Johnson’s directive to be quiet, the officer made the shocking decision to handcuff the 7-year-old. For 15 minutes, Jamal sat in those cuffs, waiting for his mother to arrive. At the time, he was less than four feet tall and weighed just 48 pounds.
The ACLU has now taken legal action against the school district, alleging that the use of excessive force violated Jamal’s Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights. “This child committed no crime, posed no threat, and certainly did not deserve to be handcuffed,” said ACLU of Missouri Legal Director, Sarah Thompson. “Resorting to handcuffs is not only an overreaction but also a constitutional violation.”
The ACLU further emphasized that such actions go against state policies that dictate restraints should only be used in extreme situations or emergencies. After the incident, Jamal’s mother, Lisa Sanders, felt her son was unsafe at school and opted to homeschool him for the next two years. Can you blame her? How can any parent feel secure sending their child to a place where they are treated as dangerous? Jamal’s tears were a response to relentless bullying, from a child who was simply seeking help.
According to reports from Fox 4 Kansas City, a spokesperson for the school district, Michelle Roberts, defended Officer Johnson’s actions, claiming he followed district protocol. “There are multiple methods our staff can employ, including the use of handcuffs,” she stated. This justification is alarming, especially considering numerous studies show that Black children are often perceived as less innocent than their white counterparts.
In a comprehensive study, Dr. Phillip Atiba Goff highlighted that while most societies view children as innocent and in need of protection, Black boys are often seen as accountable for their actions at a much younger age. Statistics from the Department of Education in 2012 revealed a disturbing trend: Black students faced disciplinary actions disproportionately compared to white students. For instance, though Black students made up only 18% of those enrolled, they accounted for 35% of all suspensions and 39% of expulsions.
Ignoring these patterns only perpetuates a cycle of institutional racism that affects our most vulnerable members—our children. Jesse Williams poignantly stated, “The existence of your neighbor’s pain is not dependent upon your belief in it.” Acknowledging these biases is essential for progress. If lawsuits are necessary to prompt school districts to confront their prejudices, then that is a step that must be taken.
Progress is essential, especially in elementary education, where we often excuse typical child behavior. Yet, this leniency does not seem to apply to Black children. “Schools should never resort to handcuffing young kids. We must put an end to this,” Lisa Sanders expressed. “Someone must speak up. While I’m not a public figure, I feel it’s crucial to raise awareness about this issue.”
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Summary
A 7-year-old boy was handcuffed at school after expressing distress over bullying, prompting the ACLU to sue the school district for violating his rights. This incident highlights the systemic biases faced by Black children within educational settings, calling for greater awareness and change in how schools manage behavioral issues.