Some 22 states still support the legality of corporal punishment in U.S. schools. This means that school officials can enforce spanking, paddling and other physical force to discipline erring students.
If this might come as a shock to parents, the current education secretary, John B. King Jr., is hoping to make one last change before he vacates his post in January 2017. He has written a letter to state officials to put a stop to corporal punishment in U.S. schools.
He cited that over 110,000 students have been needlessly physically punished for the school year 2013-2014 alone and corporal punishment has become an ineffective disciplinary measure. The kids end up rebelling or becoming more aggressive.
John B. King Jr. also pointed out that most of the students who were subject to this physical discipline are students of color. "This practice has no place in the public schools of a modern nation that plays such an essential role in the advancement and protection of civil and human rights," the Education secretary wrote.
According to Baby Center, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of corporal punishment in U.S. schools in 1977. But as years went, 28 states led by District of Columbia have effectively banned such a disciplinary act. The remaining states who uphold the law in this day and age are mostly found in America's southern states.
Lists which USA states still allow or not allow corporal punishment. https://t.co/OigWTYoZ1f
— Sally _L (@OGTOC) December 4, 2016
Following the release of the Education secretary's letter, organizations such as the National PTA, Children's Defense Fund and American Academy of Pediatrics have also released statements. These groups are echoing the call for U.S. schools to put a stop to the practice, according to NPR.
Decatur Daily reports that some schools are still firm on their stand on corporal punishment, but it is done on a case-to-case basis. There are school officials who have expressed discomfort in carrying out the act, which is why it is rarely done. Other officials say that the physical punishments are done with the consent of parents, with some actually requesting this for their misbehaving kids.
Where do you stand on corporal punishment? Would you support your child's school if it continues with it? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
