NY School's 'Timeout Box' Sparks Outrage

An upstate New York school district is under investigation after photos of a wooden box in a classroom, potentially used for student discipline, surfaced on social media. The Salmon River Central School District, where a majority of students are Native American, saw its superintendent and several other leaders placed on leave pending a probe into the "timeout box."

Community members expressed deep concern, with some drawing parallels to the historical trauma inflicted upon Native American children in residential schools. The discovery has renewed calls for an end to restraint and seclusion practices in schools, which disproportionately affect students with disabilities and students of color. New York State has prohibited seclusion in public schools and has ordered the removal of any remaining boxes.

The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council has voiced a loss of faith in the district's leadership, demanding accountability for the "inhumane devices." While the superintendent stated the box was never used with students, some parents have challenged this assertion, leading to a community grappling with trust and seeking fundamental changes in district administration.