2014 Single-Topic News or Feature for Print/Online (Medium Staff) Winner

“Restraints and Seclusions in Public Schools”

Carson Luke, a young boy with autism, shattered bones in his hand and foot after educators grabbed him and tried to shut him into a “scream room.” Kids across the country risked similar harm at least 267,000 times in just one school year.

Comments from the Judges:

“Heather Vogell takes dramatic statistics about the use of restraints and seclusion in school and puts a human face to them. Even as the shock of what is happening to these children takes hold, she carefully balances their stories with the schools’ explanation about why they are taking this action and how government is responding. The follow-up stories add to the discussion.”