Education Sec. Miguel Cardona is calling for a complete end of the practice of corporal punishment at schools.
In a message directed toward governors, chief state school officers, school district and school leaders, Cardona pressed them to put the kibosh on the practice of corporal punishment, which involves physical discipline, such as spanking.
“Our nation’s schools should make every effort to provide children and youth with safe and supportive environments that protect and enhance their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Unfortunately, some schools continue to put the mental and physical well-being of students at risk by implementing the practice of corporal punishment, defined by the U.S. Department of Education (Department) as the practice of paddling, spanking, or otherwise imposing physical punishment on students,” Cardona wrote. “Therefore, if the use of corporal punishment is permitted or practiced in schools and educational settings within your state or district, I urge you to move swiftly toward condemning and eliminating it.”
“Schools should be safe places where all students and educators interact in positive ways that foster students’ growth, belonging, and dignity—not places that teach or exacerbate violence and fear. Let’s all work together to move away from this harmful practice and…
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