FDA mulls ban on ‘torture’ in boarding schools
Gentile submits testimony at committee meeting
The federal Food and Drug Administration is considering imposing a ban on “aversive conditioning” techniques, including shock treatments, in boarding schools for developmentally disabled students, a move that won praise from Councilman Vincent Gentile, who has been speaking out against the disturbing practice for more than a decade.
Gentile (D-Bay Ridge-Dyker Heights-Bensonhurst) submitted written testimony to the FDA ahead of a Thursday meeting an agency committee is holding to discuss the practice.
Gentile said he has heard “horror stories” about developmentally disabled children being given shock treatments as a form of discipline in out-of-state boarding schools.