An investigative report says emotionally disabled children were restrained for long periods, slapped, and subjected to other physical and psychological abuse at a public school program in Holyoke, Massachusetts.
The abuses inflicted on disabled fourth through eighth grade students by staff at the Peck School are among the worst ever investigated by the Disability Law Center, according to Stan Eichner, the organization’s litigation director.
"There was widespread excessive force used in restraints. The restraints were not within the limits and protections of state regulations," Eichner said in an interview.
Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse said he was outraged by the allegations.
"We all have a responsibility to make sure that our children are safe in our schools," said Morse
The state-appointed receiver, who took charge of the Holyoke schools in July, has overhauled the program and hired a new principal at the school.
