A school district in the US state of Missouri has reintroduced corporal punishment in schools. Like the British newspaper Springfield News-Leader reported, students in Cassville County can once once more be punished with corporal punishment – but “only” with a kind of paddle. Caning had been banned since 2001, and the practice was allowed once more in June of this year.
Beatings allowed in schools in 19 states
The decision came following a survey of parents revealed they wanted additional measures to discipline students. Instead of a suspension, the parents would have preferred another “last resort,” according to the director of the district’s schools. However, it is not claimed that the parents expressly wished for corporal punishment.
Parents who consent to physical punishment of their children at school can fill out a form and drop it off at school. Only the principal can punish the children, the measure must also take place in the presence of a witness and cannot be used in front of other students.
According to the headmistress, younger children should receive “one to two” hits, while older children receive up to three. Corporal punishment is currently permitted in 19 US states, including southern states such as Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina.