(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) 25 August 2011 — A teacher-opposed measure that would lead to the rectal administration by non-medical personnel of the drug valium to students experiencing seizures in classes has gained the approval of the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

(At left) The kit that “volunteers” will be called upon to use to inject Diastat or valium in the rectal cavities of students of all ages.

On an “A” roll-call vote, SB 161 (Huff) now heads to the Assembly floor, where a vote is expected before the legislature recesses for the year next month.

Educators have been concerned about the danger posed to students by having non-medical personnel — including teachers, other certificated personnel, and education support professionals — administer the drug.  The bill’s opponents point out that state law does not even allow Emergency Medical Technicians (911 first responders) to administer the drug.

Educators fear children will be hurt and traumatized by the administration of the drug.  The manufacturers’ instructions call for the medication to be administered through a student’s rectal cavity while she/he is in the middle of an epileptic seizure.  Educational personnel would be administering the drug to students in front of their classes.

Opponents of the measure are being urged to contact their state Assembly Members to ask them to vote against SB 161 when it comes up on the Assembly floor sometime over the next two weeks.