Representatives Lucy McBath, Suzanne Bonamici, Gwen Moore, and Frederica Wilson have introduced a bill aimed at ending corporal punishment in schools that receive federal funding. The proposed legislation, named the Protecting Our Students in Schools Act, seeks to prohibit physical discipline and promote more supportive learning environments through restorative practices.
Congresswoman Lucy McBath emphasized the importance of safe educational settings: “When parents send their children to school, it’s with the belief that their student will learn in a safe, healthy environment.” She highlighted the ongoing presence of corporal punishment in Georgia as particularly concerning.
Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici expressed her support for eliminating such disciplinary measures: “The disturbing use of corporal punishment in schools must stop. Students must feel safe and be safe in school.”
Gwen Moore underscored the violation of children’s rights by corporal punishment: “Corporal punishment violates children’s fundamental rights to dignity, physical integrity, and protection from violence.”
Frederica Wilson noted the disproportionate impact on minority students: “Corporal punishment is a backward practice that has no place in our schools, harming our students, especially Black and Brown children.”
Senator Chris Murphy is leading a companion bill in the Senate. He criticized states that still allow physical discipline: “It’s absurd there are states that still allow educators to strike, paddle, and spank students as a means of discipline.”
Dr. Jacqueline Rodriguez from the National Center for Learning Disabilities pointed out that nearly 20,000 students experienced corporal punishment during remote learning periods due to COVID-19. Morgan Craven from IDRA stated that such practices compromise student achievement and safety.
Yale Law School’s Justin Driver called for an end to these outdated methods: “Laws permitting educators to assault their own students should have long ago been abolished.”
The bill has received endorsements from numerous organizations including the National Education Association and American Civil Liberties Union. Original cosponsors include Representatives Chellie Pingree, Don Beyer, Danny Davis among others.
