Nathan Kirstein

OPINION Nathan Kirstein and Harry Frischer, Iowa View contributors Published 5:00 a.m. CT April 6, 2020 Disability Rights Iowa says the Boys State Training School has overused isolation and restraints on teens for misbehavior, which the school denies. Children who enter the school are caught in a vicious cycle of violence perpetuated by the institutional shortcomings of a school that places very little emphasis on treating mental health disorders.

Deeply unsettling reports of violence at the State Training School at Eldora have prompted justified calls to increase safety at the facility. No one should have to work in fear of physical harm. But our response to what has taken place there must seek to eliminate violence in all forms: physical and mental, against staff and children alike. It is tempting to think of the children in the state’s care as hopeless “juvenile delinquents” who are undeserving of compassion.