Leesburg, VA – December 29, 2025 – A parent in Loudoun County has described an incident involving her child with special needs, stating that the student was placed alone in a room furnished only with a desk for prolonged periods, sometimes several hours. The parent further alleged that staff prevented the child from exiting by blocking the door, that no notifications were sent to the family, and that no documentation of the incidents was provided, which may conflict with Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) regulations requiring proper procedures for seclusion and restraint.
This account brings to mind a 2018 case in Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) where photographs showed students with disabilities in confined spaces constructed from furniture, sparking investigations by state authorities. The review identified areas for improvement in staff training but concluded there was no evidence of systemic abuse.
In response to ongoing concerns and evolving guidelines, the Loudoun County School Board voted in February 2025 to prohibit the use of seclusion, defined as involuntarily confining a student alone in a space from which they cannot leave. The updated policy restricts physical restraint to situations of imminent danger and mandates training, parental notification, and reporting for any incidents.
Advocacy organizations have welcomed the ban as a step toward safer environments for students, particularly those with disabilities. However, the recent parental account suggests challenges may remain in fully implementing and monitoring these changes across the district.LCPS officials have not publicly commented on the specific allegations, as individual student matters are typically handled privately in accordance with privacy laws.
For more details, watch the testimony here: https://x.com/LoudounGOP/status/2005518732689289360
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