Americans for Autism Advocacy: As Wisconsin begins first day of school, national autism advocate calls on State Superintendent Underly to release seclusion and restraint data as required by law

OCONOMOWOC, WISC. –  September 1st begins a new academic year for students in Wisconsin’s K-12 education system.  As neurodivergent students begin a new school year, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jill Underly has failed to publish data on seclusion and restraint incidents during the 2024-2025 academic year as required by state law.  Americans for Autism Advocacy (AFAA) issues the following statement:

“The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) is facing another crisis of transparency. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jill Underly has failed to disclose and publish the legally required data on seclusion and restraint incidents for the 2024–2025 school year. Following an increase in these occurrences during the 2023–2024 academic year, Wisconsinites demand accountability and seek answers on whether these incidents were ultimately reduced during the 2024-2025 school year.  Americans for Autism Advocacy calls on the Wisconsin Legislature to hold Madam Superintendent Underly accountable.  Legislative leaders in Wisconsin should require the state superintendent to fulfill her duty by law to make this data public.  Parents of Wisconsin families with neurodivergent students should demand better.”