FILE:  JDA

Cf:  GAMC

 

Corporal Punishment

 

 

The use of corporal punishment by administrators and teachers is authorized when such punishment is administered in a reasonable manner. 

 

The use of any form of corporal punishment is prohibited in any public school unless the student's parent or legal guardian provides written consent for the use of corporal punishment in a document created by the state Department of Education solely for such purpose. Such consent applies only to the school year in which it is given.

 

No form of corporal punishment shall be administered to a student with an exceptionality as defined in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:1942 or to a student who has been determined to be eligible for services under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and has an Individual Accommodation Plan. However, the parent or legal guardian of a student who is gifted and talented and has no other exceptionality may authorize the use of corporal punishment as otherwise provided by this policy.

 

Corporal punishment means using physical force to discipline a student, with or without an object.  Corporal punishment includes hitting, paddling, striking, spanking, slapping, or any other physical force that causes pain or physical discomfort. Taping a student’s mouth shut or otherwise restricting his or her airway in any manner is prohibited regardless of parental consent.

 

The following guidelines are to be followed when administering corporal punishment:

 

  1. Corporal punishment should be used after other methods of discipline have failed.

  2. Procedural due process must be used and parental notification must occur before administering corporal punishment.

  3. An adult witness must be present when corporal punishment is administered.

  4. Any paddle to be used in administering corporal punishment should be made of wood fourteen (14) to fifteen (15) inches long, six (6) inches wide and one-half (1/2) inch thick.

  5. Any paddling must be applied to a student’s posterior for a maximum of five (5) times.

  6. No form of demeaning language or corporal punishment, including but not limited to paddling, striking, or hitting, shall be used with any child enrolled in a Pre-K class or enrichment class.

 

Corporal Punishment Incidence Checklist

 

Adopted: September 15, 2016 Revised:  August 17, 2023
Revised:  August 17, 2017 Revised:  September 19, 2024
Revised:  July 21, 2022  

 

 

Ref:    U.S. Constitution, Amend. XIII

U.S. Constitution, Amend. XIV Sec. 1

La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:81.6, 17:416.1

Baker v. Owen, 96 S. Ct. 210 affirming 395 F. Supp. 294 (M.D.N.C., 1975)

Ingraham v. Wright, 97 S. Ct. 1401, (1977)

Board minutes, 7-1-82, 9-15-16, 8-17-17, 7-21-22, 8-17-23, 9-19-24

 

 

Vermilion Parish School Board