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Kentucky Schools Can No Longer Use Aikido to Restrain Students

Boris Ryaposov, 123rf Stock Photo

Kentucky's education commissioner has ordered public schools to stop using a form of Aikido training to physically restrain students.

The Courier-Journal reports Kentucky Education Commissioner Stephen Pruitt sent a cease and desist letter to school districts this week, prohibiting staff from using the martial art technique.

The letter follows concerns raised by members of a state oversight panel on child abuse that the method can result in injury and broken bones.

Only five districts in the state have had staff members trained in Aikido, but Pruitt sent the cease and desist letter to all school districts as a precaution.

Matt Markgraf joined the WKMS team as a student in January 2007. He's served in a variety of roles over the years: as News Director March 2016-September 2019 and previously as the New Media & Promotions Coordinator beginning in 2011. Prior to that, he was a graduate and undergraduate assistant. He is currently the host of the international music show Imported on Sunday nights at 10 p.m.
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