Palm Beach County Florida Schools Sued For Inappropriate Use Of Police & Involuntary Psychiatric Evaluation As Discipline

On July 27, 2021, students of the School District of Palm Beach County in Florida sued the district for its inappropriate use of police and involuntary psychiatric evaluation as discipline, even with elementary students. From the 2016 school year to the 2020 school year, the district initiated, without family consent, at least 1,216 involuntary examinations against its students, including 252 times for elementary school students. Black children were subjected to involuntary psychiatric evaluation at twice the rate of white children. The plaintiffs seek damages, and systemic changes in how the school district uses the Florida Baker Act. The Baker . . .