|
Listen to this article here
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – On Monday, an Oklahoma House Representative held an interim study to explore the effectiveness of corporal punishment in state classrooms.
Rep. Jim Olsen (R-Roland) stated that he has no intentions to force schools to adopt such policies but does support the practice for certain situations.
“What I do object to is the desire of some people to totally prohibit it for all schools and in all situations, no matter how extreme,” said Olsen in a press statement. One of the scenarios in which Olsen believes the practice could be beneficial is in special needs classrooms.
The Republican official responded to those citing the Bible as justification for opposing the antiquated practice. “We can’t play fast and loose with the clear text of the Bible,” Olsen said. “The words of the King James Bible are very clear. If we will honor the clear statements that God tells us in the Bible, things will go better for us.”
During Monday’s study, several child psychologists, district superintendents and former educators were present. Greg Reynolds, former Superintendent of Bushy Public School, mentioned that his district used corporal punishment but only with parental consent through signed permission slips.
Oklahoma researcher advocates against corporal punishment
David Blatt, Director of Research and Strategic Impact at Oklahoma Appleseed, attended the interim study to advocate against the practice.
“Overall, there is an overwhelming research consensus that corporal punishment is not an effective form of discipline,” Blatt said. “There is substantial research evidence that physical punishment puts children at risk for negative outcomes.”
While Olsen may promote the form of punishment in certain instances, some of his colleagues disagree.
“Corporal punishment is an outdated and harmful practice that negatively impacts the emotional, psychological and educational well-being of children,” said Democratic Oklahoma House Rep. Ellyn Hefner. “Research has consistently shown that physical punishment does not improve behavior or learning outcomes.”
Black students more likely to receive physical punishment
In 1977, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that state governments have the authority to permit or prohibit the practice. According to the National Education Association, there are 17 states where the use of corporal punishment in schools is legal, although not every state actively practices it.
Most of these states are located in the South. It is estimated that roughly 160,000 students are subjected to physical punishment every year. A report from the U.S. Department of Education found that Black students, who account for 15% of enrolled students, make up 37% of students who receive this form of punishment.
Related Stories
There are various forms of physical punishment such as slapping, pinching and spanking. Most commonly referenced during Monday’s interim study is paddling. Typically, paddles are 14 inches long, two inches wide and a quarter inch thick. Teachers or administrators use these instruments to strike a student’s buttocks after deeming a behavior unacceptable. An analysis from Human Rights Watch found that some common behaviors such as being late to class, mispronouncing words and receiving bad grades have warranted physical retribution.
The use of corporal punishment has steadily decreased since the Supreme Court ruling in 1977. An analysis from the World Health Organization found that the practice has no positive outcomes and increases behavioral issues over time.