Why Is Corporal Punishment Still Allowed in Some School Districts?

In a distressing incident, a mother felt trapped in a room with her young daughter, a principal, and a clerk. Fearing disbelief without any evidence, she discreetly recorded what unfolded. The footage is gut-wrenching: a six-year-old girl is positioned and instructed to “stick your butt out” before being struck with a heavy wooden paddle. As she recoils in pain, they demand she return to the desk for another hit. The brutality inflicted by Principal Laura Johnson left visible bruises, which were later documented by the child’s doctor. Shockingly, this practice was legal in Florida.

How is this still permissible? According to The Brookings Institute, 23 states either explicitly permit corporal punishment or delegate the decision to local authorities, affecting nearly 45% of children in the U.S. For instance, Oklahoma’s law states that “nothing in this act shall prohibit any parent, teacher, or other person from using ordinary force as a means of discipline, including but not limited to spanking, switching, or paddling.” Similarly, South Carolina allows school districts to decide if corporal punishment is appropriate.

What Exactly Constitutes “Corporal Punishment”?

In 1977, the U.S. Supreme Court confirmed its legality in schools, defining it as the use of physical force intended to inflict pain to correct misbehavior. This means that educational institutions are permitted to intentionally hurt children, which is fundamentally unacceptable.

The Texas Education Code defines corporal punishment as “the deliberate infliction of physical pain by hitting, paddling, spanking, slapping, or any other physical force used as a means of discipline.” This makes it clear that causing pain is the goal of corporal punishment. Estimates suggest that around 166,000 students face corporal punishment annually, with the Southern Poverty Law Center noting that 600 students are affected daily, especially in Southern states.

The Implications of Corporal Punishment

The implications are dire, particularly for marginalized groups. Research shows that Black boys are disproportionately affected, with 14% experiencing corporal punishment compared to 7.5% of white boys. A Mississippi student articulated the stark reality: “Every time you walk down the hall you see a Black kid getting whupped.” Additionally, children with disabilities face higher rates of corporal punishment, often for behaviors related to their conditions, which is a violation of federal law.

Despite overwhelming evidence against its effectiveness, with studies indicating that corporal punishment does not yield long-term benefits and can hinder academic performance, this practice continues. Experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, affirm that physical punishment leads to negative outcomes, including increased bullying and lower academic achievement.

Conclusion

So, why are we allowing educators to strike our children? There is no justification for this practice to remain legal anywhere.

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In summary, the persistence of corporal punishment in schools raises serious ethical concerns. It disproportionately affects children of color and those with disabilities, and research consistently shows that it is detrimental to children’s well-being and education. The continued legality of this practice is a troubling issue that warrants urgent attention.

Keyphrase: corporal punishment in schools

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