URGENT ACTION ALERT: HR 4247 Going to Committee This Week

We have just been informed that H.R. 4247, the Preventing Harmful Restraint and Seclusion in Schools Act is going to be marked up by the House Education and Labor Committee this coming Thursday. In order to avoid amendments to the legislation that could potentially weaken the bill’s ability to protect students, it is important we send a clear message to Congress to pass H.R. 4247 and to keep it strong. This is a crucial period for the legislation and we’re urging all of you to call your Representatives before Thursday to tell them to co-sponsor and support the bill.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

Call your Congressional representative to co-sponsor H.R. 4247.  Encourage your friends, family, and coworkers to participate too!

• To find out the names of your Representative, visit http://www.congress.org/ and type in your zip code.
• The names of your Representatives will be located on the left side of the page under President & Congress.
• Call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask to speak to your representative. You can provide them with your zip code if you do not know his or her name.
• Identify yourself as a constituent and the organization that you represent (if any).  
• If you have a restraint and seclusion story, please give them some of the details so they understand why these bills are so important.

Message:

For your Representative: “I am calling to urge (your Representative) to cosponsor HR 4247, legislation preventing harmful use of restraint and seclusion in schools. HR 4247 is being marked up this Thursday, and your support can help make sure it passes and remains strong. Currently, seventeen states have no protections whatsoever against the use of harmful restraint and seclusion in schools. HR 4247 would create a basic floor of protection and fund teacher training to protect children and keep our schools safe.”

Thank you for your efforts and please keep up the good work! Nothing About Us, Without Us!

Regards,
Ari Ne’eman
President
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network
http://www.autisticadvocacy.org
[email protected]
(202) 596-1056