What is the law on corporal punishment in the school setting?
In Texas, corporal punishment in the school setting is legal but strictly regulated. Corporal punishment is defined as “the deliberate infliction of physical pain as a method of changing one’s behavior.” According to Education Code Sections 37.0021 and 37.015, school districts are allowed to use corporal punishment as a form of discipline. However, all corporal punishment must be administered in a safe and effective manner, and schools are required to establish written policies governing the use of such. These policies must include the setting and limits of acceptable corporal punishment, as well as guidelines for its use. For example, the punishment must be reasonable and should not cause significant physical or emotional harm. Further, districts must provide staff with adequate training on the proper use of corporal punishment as well as the consequences for inappropriate use. In addition, parents must be informed that corporal punishment is used in the school setting, and must provide written permission for their child to receive such punishment. As long as these regulations are followed, Texas school districts are legally allowed to use corporal punishment in certain cases.
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