Story perspectives

Parents Push for Accountability in School Seclusion Rooms

2/19/2026

Center

Alisha Hadden Advocates

In Salt Lake City, Alisha Hadden, a mother of children with autism, joins parents seeking accountability in school seclusion rooms.
SB181 would require audio and video recording in seclusion rooms.
The bill standardizes seclusion rooms with specified dimensions and safety features.
Senator Luz Escamilla sponsors SB181 and calls for clear guidelines to prevent misuse.
Recent reports show a rise in seclusion incidents, sparking parental concerns.

Left

Hadden Challenges Traffic Bill

In Utah, Senate Bill 242 (S.B. 242) would mandate Salt Lake City to alter traffic calming, undermining Vision Zero initiatives aimed at reducing traffic violence.
Critics argue the state should not dictate local street design and residents should have the primary voice.
The bill could allow state interference in traffic safety across city roads, setting a dangerous precedent.
Advocates push to remove the most contentious elements before the Senate vote.

History

Historical Context

In 2014, the U.S. Department of Education issued guidelines to limit seclusion and restraint in schools, responding to a Government Accountability Office report revealing that nearly 70,000 students faced seclusion annually. This led to legislative efforts like SB181 in Salt Lake City, where advocates like Alisha Hadden push for enhanced accountability, reflecting ongoing concerns about the treatment of vulnerable students in educational settings.

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Alisha Hadden Advocates

In Salt Lake City, Alisha Hadden, a mother of children with autism, joins parents seeking accountability in school seclusion rooms.
SB181 would require audio and video recording in seclusion rooms.
The bill standardizes seclusion rooms with specified dimensions and safety features.
Senator Luz Escamilla sponsors SB181 and calls for clear guidelines to prevent misuse.
Recent reports show a rise in seclusion incidents, sparking parental concerns.

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