The Rhode Island ACLU is filing a federal complaint over alleged unlawful restraining of schoolchildren in West Warwick and North Kingstown.
Four families are alleging their kids were excessively restrained, resulting in mental health trauma and physical harm.
"Restraint" refers to the use of physical intervention to immobilize someone, the use of which is limited by law.
The students attended Greenbush Elementary School and Davisville Academy.
School district officials released statements indicating they could not comment on specific incidents, but that student safety is a top priority.