District reintroduces spanking as a disciplinary option amid mixed reactions from parents and educators.
A Missouri school district has reinstated corporal punishment, allowing spanking as a last-resort disciplinary measure. The decision by the Cassville school board applies only to families that provide written consent, and the policy was introduced after requests from parents in the community.
Superintendent Merlyn Johnson clarified that reintroducing corporal punishment was not part of his original agenda. However, he acknowledged the community's support, stating, “This is something that has happened on my watch, and I’m okay with it.”
Corporal punishment had been banned in the district since 2001, but Cassville is part of a traditional community where other districts in Barry County still permit it, even if the practice has become dormant. Parents were recently surveyed, and feedback revealed concerns over student behaviour and disciplinary challenges. The school board's decision followed discussions about potential solutions, including an interest in “old-fashioned” methods.
The new policy specifies strict guidelines: spanking can only be administered by a principal with a witness present, never in front of other students, and must avoid causing harm. The use of a paddle is limited to one or two swats for younger students and up to three for older ones. Additionally, all incidents must be documented and reported to the superintendent.
Mr Johnson explained that this measure is intended as an alternative to suspensions, which often disrupt students’ learning. “With suspension, kids miss class and fall behind. Spanking allows them to remain in school and continue learning,” he noted.
Corporal punishment remains legal in 19 U.S. states, primarily in the South, including Missouri. The Supreme Court ruled in 1977 that such practices are constitutional, leaving regulation to individual states.
Cassville has also implemented other disciplinary measures, including a Success Academy for students struggling in traditional classrooms and a ban on electronic devices such as phones and smartwatches.
The district plans to evaluate the impact of these policies at the end of the school year. “We reassess every year and adapt to what’s best for our students and community,” Mr Johnson said, leaving the door open for potential changes.
This decision has sparked debate, with some parents expressing gratitude while others remain critical of reintroducing corporal punishment in modern education.
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The first day’s journey was through the pink fields