My son, Landyn Ferris, lost his life unattended in a seclusion room at a high school in Trenton, Ontario. Landyn was a bright, loving boy with a seizure disorder that required constant attention. No child should be subjected to such dangerous and isolating conditions. Seclusion rooms, often disguised as 'quiet rooms' or 'safe spaces', are anything but that for children with special needs. They represent the cruelest form of exclusion, subjecting children to inhumane treatment under the guise of discipline.

In Canada, thousands of children are inappropriately placed in seclusion every year—a practice that lacks clear regulation, oversight, and justification, particularly for those with special needs. According to a 2020 report from Inclusion Canada, children with disabilities are particularly at risk, and the emotional and psychological damage inflicted can last a lifetime.

There are clear alternatives that ensure the safety and dignity of all students. Implementing positive behavioral interventions, individualized support plans, and increased training for educators can create safer and more inclusive school environments. The Ontario government and school boards must adopt these measures to protect vulnerable students.

We urge the Minister of Education and Canadian school boards to eliminate the use of seclusion rooms in schools and to develop comprehensive strategies that prioritize the well-being and inclusion of all students. Please sign this petition to prevent further tragedies like Landyn's and to create a safer, more compassionate educational system for our children.