TENNESSEE: private schools
- David Lipscomb Campus School, Nashville [PDF] (Alternative link)
This is the handbook for the Middle and High school sections of this all-through Christian school. Corporal punishment (no details supplied) "may be used in the high school as an alternative discipline" but by implication not in the middle school -- the exact opposite of the arrangements at many other schools. CP is not mentioned in the separate elementary school handbook. So here is an intriguing case of a school system saying that paddling is appropriate only for senior students. (I personally think there is quite a lot to be said for this, but it is a minority view.)
- Donelson Christian Academy, Nashville [PDF]
Spanking may be administered by the principal to students in grades 5 to 12, but not apparently at the lower elementary level. Parents will be notified beforehand.
- Highland Rim Christian Academy, Tullahoma (Alternative link)
"Anyone caught cheating will be dealt with quickly and firmly. It will result in corporal correction." So will stealing. Corporal discipline may also be used for lack of respect, vandalism, and multiple lesser offenses. In this event there are now two options. Under Option A, the parent "is required to come to the school and to spank the child in the presence of the Principal or Administrator, or a staff member of the same sex as the child". Failure to do this may result in the child's expulsion. If the parent chooses Option B, it is left to the principal to decide to paddle the student, max. three "firm" strokes.
- Memphis Academy of Health Sciences
This unusual and weirdly-named institution is a charter middle and high school founded in 2003 by "100 Black Men of Memphis, Inc." and seems in practice to be 100% African-American in its staff and students. The document is a form which parents must sign agreeing to the school's discipline policy, which involves a weekly meeting for each grade level, conducted by the principal, at which students on the disciplinary list for that week receive a paddling in front of the other students. It is fairly remarkable that the school does this, and commendably transparent that it explicitly says so. This process "has had a tremendous impact on students' behavior and understanding of what is and is not acceptable behavior at MAHS".
See also this Feb 2009 news item and this March 2009 follow-up (with video clip).
- These Tennessee private schools also state that they use corporal punishment, but give few or no details:
West End Academy, Knoxville (Alternative link)
TENNESSEE: public schools
- Anderson County Schools (covers Andersonville, Briceville, Clinton, Heiskell, Lake City, Norris, Oliver Springs, Powell) [PDF]
Any teacher may use CP, with a witness. The student must have been warned that specific misbehavior could occasion its use. It is listed as a possible consequence for most offenses on the second or third offense. Parents need not be consulted but must be informed on request of the reasons for it. There no longer seems to be any reference to the possibility of appealing against a paddling.
- Bedford County School District (covers Shelbyville, Unionville, Wartrace)
Cascade Elementary has CP (no details supplied) as an option for a second or subsequent minor offense; it is not mentioned for intermediate or major offenses. It must be administered by the principal, with an adult witness.
At Harris, CP at the option of the principal may be a penalty for truancy, skipping classes, classroom disturbances, profanity, chronic tardiness, misbehavior on the bus, intimidation, gambling, throwing objects, and "failure to accept or complete disciplinary action". Corporal punishment is defined as "physical punishment by the principal or his designee", which seems a tad vague. It must be in good faith and not excessive; no other details are provided.
See also this Nov 2005 news item about a paddling incident at Community High School in Unionville, whose website makes no mention of punishments at all.
And see this Nov 2009 news item about a change of policy wording to remove language allowing sexual discrimination.
- Fayetteville City Schools [PDF]
This school board's Policy Manual states that CP is a disciplinary option for misbehaviors at levels I, II and III, but not at level IV (the most serious). It does not have to be administered by the principal, but he or she must approve the instrument used. There are rules about witnesses, proportionality and documentation. I can find no reference to parental consultation or approval.
At the elementary school, corporal punishment may be used in extreme cases of misconduct.
The Intermediate handbook simply states that CP may be used in accordance with school board policy.
See also this slightly weird Nov 2005 news item, which if nothing else serves to confirm that a paddle exists in the Intermediate School principal's office.
- Gibson County School District (covers Dyer, Medina, Rutherford, Trenton, Yorkville)
The Board Policy states that CP may be used for lesser offenses (levels I and II) but not the more serious ones (levels III and IV). This separate page of the document lays down typical rules about privacy, witnesses, proportionality and documentation, and provides that a parental conference must be held before the paddling is inflicted.
Medina Middle School's handbook states that "if a student should take it upon themselves to deviate from the rules [...], discipline will be swift, fair, and consistent", and CP is one of the methods used. In particular, a paddling is the automatic response to "profanity", "unless the office is otherwise notified".
At Rutherford, CP is used "occasionally". Parental requests not to use paddling must be put in writing and renewed annually. "By making this request the parents must take an active part in the discipline and immediately take the student home for a 3-day unexcused suspension. This is also the procedure for a student who refuses a spanking."
At Yorkville Elementary, "a student's behavior may require that a paddling be administered", but only after other methods have proved ineffective. Parents are consulted beforehand. Similar provisions to Rutherford as regards parental objection or student refusal.
See also this Oct 2005 news item about a paddling at Medina Middle School.
- Greene County Schools (covers Afton, Chuckey, Greeneville, Mohawk, Mosheim)
Corporal punishment should be used only when less stringent measures have failed. Typical wording about privacy, witnesses, documentation and reasonableness. Parental objections to CP are honored. See also Discipline Report for Corporal Punishment [PDF], the form which must be filled out by the "disciplinarian" and signed by the witness when a student is paddled.
At Baileyton and Ottway, CP is available for offenses at levels I and II but not for more serious ones. At Chuckey and Chuckey-Doak it may be used for level III offenses too.
There is no information about the modus operandi. None of the district's four high schools mentions CP.
- Hamilton County Schools [PDF] (covers Apison, Birchwood, Chattanooga, Harrison, Hixson, Lookout Mountain, Ooltewah, Sale Creek, Signal Mountain, Soddy-Daisy)
CP is for use only after several other methods have been tried. Parents may request a written explanation after the fact, but there is no mention of their being able to object in advance.
See also this April 2008 news item (with video clip) about a paddling at Richard Hardy Elementary School in Chattanooga.
- Hickman County Schools [PDF] (covers Centerville, Lyles)
In grades K-8 only, corporal punishment is available on parental request. In grades K-4, no student will receive more than 3 licks per day. In grades 5-8, parents may choose paddling instead of detention. In this case, six demerits in a 6-week period brings two licks, and 9 demerits three licks. There is no CP for grades 9-12.
- Jackson-Madison County School Board (covers Denmark, Jackson, Pinson
The principal shall contact the parent before any instance of paddling. It should be used only if "less stringent" measures have failed. There are a lot of bureaucratic rules about documentation.
Identical language at these two schools: "immediate suspension and/or corporal punishment (paddling)" may result from fighting or disrespect, or emergency drill misbehavior. Parents may indicate in writing that CP should not be used.
See also, as regards Pope Elementary School in Jackson, this May 2003 news item.
- Lebanon Special School District [PDF]
Here, CP is reserved for "extreme cases" and the "number of contacts with the paddle" must not exceed four. It must be given with "an appropriate wooden paddle across the buttocks and in no other manner", and is not to be administered in anger. Parents may object in writing. Students may be given a choice between CP and an alternative disciplinary measure.
See also, with particular reference to Walter J. Baird Middle School, this April 2002 news item.
- McNairy County Schools (covers Adamsville, Bethel Springs, Michie, Ramer, Selmer)
Teachers and principal alike may use CP for minor or major misbehaviors. It is given with a wooden paddle, before a witness, and consists of a maximum of three "licks" on the buttocks. The student may be given a choice between paddling or some other punishment that the teacher deems appropriate. CP is also mentioned as an option for level III (relatively serious) bus violations, but only where the bus driver has filled out the appropriate form, in which case the principal administers the paddling on the bus driver's behalf.
- Putnam County Schools [PDF] (covers Algood, Baxter, Cookeville, Monterey)
Any teacher may apply corporal punishment "in a reasonable manner", the instrument to be used requiring approval by the principal. According to a separate "discipline procedures" document [PDF], CP is a suggested response for offenses at levels I, II and II but not level IV (the most serious). There are rules about witnesses and record-keeping; nothing about parental consultation or approval.
At Monterey High (grades 9-12), CP may be administered for a first or subsequent "major violation" (disruption, forgery, fighting, tobacco, etc.). In previous versions, paddling came into play only at the second such offense.
White Plains Academy (formerly Dry Valley) is a K-12 "sin bin" where "paddling" is one of the possible consequences for failure to obey the strict rules.
See also this May 2007 news item about a paddling at Algood Elementary School.
- Rutherford County Board of Education, Murfreesboro [PDF]
Principals and Assistant Principals may use CP. There are no details of the modus operandi. Typical language about proportionality, witnesses and documentation. Parents must fill in a form every year stating that they either don't give consent for CP, or that they do, in which case they must also say whether or not they want to be contacted beforehand.
See also this Oct 2004 news item.
-
Shelby County Schools (covers Arlington, Bartlett, Collierville, Cordova, Germantown, part of Memphis, Millington) [PDF]
In this school system, parents may request exemption, but in that case the school reserves the right to suspend the student. CP is not to be used for a first offense. Students may NOT choose a paddling in lieu of some other punishment.
See also this Feb 2004 news item and this Feb 2011 news item.
-
Tipton County Schools (covers Brighton, Covington, Drummonds, Munford) [PDF]
In the student handbook for the district as a whole, corporal punishment features at steps 1 and 2 of the discipline procedure. It is also an option at step 1 of the separate bus discipline ladder. Any teacher may paddle, with a witness.
Brighton Elementary School is at pains to point out that corporal punishment is "a recognized form of discipline in the state of Tennessee" and is used at the school, though "only in extreme cases". Parents may opt out of CP and now have only to submit a form to the office; previous versions required them to sign the form at a meeting with the staff.
In Brighton High's local handbook, strangely, CP is mentioned only in connection with tobacco use. However, individual teachers at BHS have their own rules set out on their own web pages. Thus, Rick McLaughlin ("Mr Mac") puts CP second in his list of corrective measures for inappropriate behavior in his classroom.
Crestview Middle School specifies that "corporal punishment or detention" is the consequence for a second or third dress code violation. CP is not mentioned for other offenses. The same is true of Covington Integrated Arts Academy (apparently a K-8 school) except that here CP is an option at steps 1 and 2.
At Munford High, CP is at the top of the list of consequences for any violation of rules, and is also specifically mentioned for school bus offenses, in respect of which students "will be disciplined by the bus driver or at the school level". Does that mean the bus driver can carry out the paddling? It is not entirely clear.
Official statistics indicate that some 1,580 paddlings were administered in Tipton County in 2004-05, but it is a large district, so that is only about 14% of the student roll.
- Tullahoma City Schools [PDF]
CP is for offenses at levels I, II and III, but not level IV (the most serious). It shall be administered only by the principal or assistant principal and only when less stringent measures have failed, or where it is the only reasonable form of punishment in the circumstances. The instrument to be used shall be approved by the principal. Parents are notified after the event. Rules about witnesses and record-keeping.
Paddling at East Lincoln Elementary is described as always being a last resort, and usually done at the parent's request. In particular, it may be inflicted for fighting.
At West Middle, CP is merely mentioned as one of the available disciplinary techniques.
See also this Aug 2006 news item and its associated video clip.
- Union County Public Schools, Maynardville [PDF]
This is the Teachers' Handbook, which gives more detail than the Student Handbook. At the beginning of the year each principal must designate the staff members who are going to serve as witnesses to any CP. The designees must be distributed evenly in the building(s), which suggests that CP is rather commonplace here. Typical rules about not being a first resort, and privacy. Only a doctor's note is valid reason for exemption -- evidently parents have no say in the matter.
- York Institute, Jamestown
At this rural mountain high school, corporal punishment must be administered "in the front office" by the Dean of Students or a teacher, and is one of several disciplinary options for Level I or II offenses (but apparently no longer, as in an earlier version, also for Level III offenses).
- These Tennessee public schools or school districts also state that they use corporal punishment, but give few or no details:
Bledsoe County Schools
Cumberland County Schools (covers Crab Orchard, Crossville, Pleasant Hill, Rockwood) (and see also this Oct 2004 news item)
Hancock County Schools, Sneedville
Johnson County Schools, Mountain City
Kingsport City Schools [PDF]
Meigs County Schools, Decatur (and see also this May 2004 news item)
Union City Schools
Perry County Schools (covers Linden, Lobelville) (and see also this Sep 2007 news item and video clip)
- These Tennessee public schools or school districts are known to use corporal punishment, but did not appear to say so on line when I last checked, or are not on line at all:
Henry County Schools -- see this Dec 2009 news item and video clip
Loudon County Schools -- see this Dec 2007 news item and video clip
TEXAS: private schools
- Arbor Christian Academy, Amarillo [PDF]
Students in grades 4 to 12 must sign the admission form in which they "willingly place themselves under the authority of the school", and "will accept correction", which could include "corporal punishment (spanking)".
- Christian Life Center Academy, Humble [PDF]
This is an application form on which parents must sign that they "support the school in its policy of corporal correction without reservation". "Two firm strokes" are administered with a "simple, flat paddle".
- Grace Academy, Georgetown [PDF]
See page 17. A wooden paddle is used, normally two swats. Every effort is made to contact the parent. Parents who notify their disagreement with CP must supply two emergency contacts besides themselves who can come to the school immediately to take the child home.
- Hope Lutheran School, Austin [PDF]
Paddling is available from 1st through 8th grade (but not at kindergarten level), with the written consent of the parent, but is "discouraged and rarely used".
- Humble Christian School, Humble [PDF]
The administration reserves the right to paddle a student when the Principal believes it is necessary. Parents must sign a "Corporal correction authorization" form on enrollment. Paddling comes after Saturday class and probation but before suspension in order of seriousness. The punishment consists of up to three strokes with a paddle. The student will not be restrained; if he or she "refuses to submit to paddling", the parent will be called in.
- Lifegate Christian School, Seguin [PDF]
Spanking at the elementary and middle schools occurs when it is felt to be appropriate, with parental consent. It is not to exceed three swats. At the elementary level, CP appears to be a money-saving alternative to Saturday School (since for the latter the parents are charged $40). It is not mentioned for the high school.
- Longview Christian School [PDF]
This K-12 school reserves the right to corporally punish any student. The parents are contacted beforehand. Paddling is listed as one of the consequences for "major infractions". See also the Corporal Correction Release [PDF], which states that "a personal, neutral object" is used for correction. The parents must sign that they support the CP policy "without reservation", or alternatively that they will come to the school to administer a paddling themselves.
See also this Feb 2007 news item, quoting the principal as saying that paddling is an acceptable last-resort punishment for rebellious behavior.
- San Jacinto Christian Academy, Amarillo [PDF]
"Corporal discipline" will be carried out by a parent or by school personnel; the school has full discretion in the matter. Every parent must sign an authorization for the school to spank. Each spanking is witnessed and documented. In particular, CP is likely to follow three detentions.
- School of Excellence in Education, San Antonio [DOC]
At this remarkably old-fashioned charter school ("boys will pull out chairs for girls during breakfast and lunch and hold the doors open for them" -- no nonsense about sexual equality here), "corporal punishment will be administered by parent or administrator for behavior infractions, or parents may escort their child all day in the classroom at the discretion of the administrator".
See also this Sep 2004 news item and also this Jan 2005 news item and its follows-up, about an 18-year-old student who was paddled, raising the question whether her parents' consent was still relevant now that she was legally adult.
- Town East Christian School, San Antonio [PDF]
"Corporal correction" here consists of "a reasonable number of firm swats" with "a simple, flat wooden paddle". If repentance does not ensue, there may be further discipline. After three paddlings there is an automatic one-day suspension. After nine paddlings the student is expelled for the rest of the year. Swats are automatic if lines are given and not done.
- These Texas private schools also state that they use corporal punishment, but give few or no details:
Calvary Baptist Academy, New Braunfels (Alternative link)
East Texas Christian School, Longview (and see also this Feb 2007 news item)
San Angelo Christian Academy [PDF] (and see also this Aug 2010 news item)
TEXAS: public schools
- Anahuac School District
Standard Texas form of words. Parental objections to corporal punishment are honored.
- Arp Independent School District (covers Arp)
The elementary school document states that CP is a possible consequence for Level I and Level II offenses.
At secondary level, a new Campus Discipline Plan for Level 1 offenses (the most minor) involves a choice between paddling and "SAC" at the 4th, 7th, 10th and 14th offense in each semester.
See also the Teachers' Handbook, which says that the student being paddled must be made to state his or her offense to the teacher acting as witness. A "discipline slip" must be sent home to the parents.
-
Blum Independent School District [PDF]
Corporal punishment here is only mentioned at level 1, the least serious offenses, handled in the classroom. The handbook includes a form on which parents state whether or not they consent to CP; this has to be signed by the student as well as the parent.
See also this Dec 2006 news item about the "sting of the football coach's paddle".
- Brazosport Independent School District (covers Clute, Freeport, Lake Jackson, Richwood) [PDF]
Corporal punishment must be "done in a private place", "in a respectful manner and without any emotional involvement". The student is to be given the opportunity to say if there is any "family or medical" reason why he should not be paddled.
- A.W. Brown-Fellowship Charter School, Dallas
Corporal punishment is an appropriate consequence for all code of conduct violations, but may be administered only by an administrator, with a witness.
- Brownwood Independent School District [PDF]
This district reintroduced paddling after a lapse of 8 years (see this Aug 2004 news item). It is "used at the discretion of the campus principal" for level II or III offenses but not levels I, IV, V or VI. Parental permission is required. There is no longer a reference to the number of "spats" as in earlier versions, either unusual terminology or a misprint for "swats".
- Buna Independent School District [PDF]
Standard Texas language in the board policy document.
Both the High School and Junior High School code of conduct documents now merely mention CP as one of several discipline management techniques in general, and no longer distinguish between different levels of seriousness of offenses. All three school handbooks, a separate document in each cases, include a form that parents can use to exempt their students from CP.
The high school athletic handbook states that corporal punishment (no details provided) is one of the discipline techniques that coaches may provide for sports team members.
At the junior high, corporal punishment may be used but "is not a disciplinary option for correcting fighting".
- Canadian Independent School District [PDF]
Confusingly, Canadian is the name of a town in Texas. The board policy document gives the usual Texas wording and says that the instrument used in administering CP must be approved by the principal. Parent requests for exemption will be honored.
At the high school, CP may be used for medium-level infractions that are neither the least nor the most serious.
The middle school handbook merely notes that corporal punishment (no details provided) may be used as a discipline management technique.
- Channelview Independent School District [PDF] (covers Channelview)
Gives detailed rules for the administration of corporal punishment (max. 3 swats). Paddles shall not be generally displayed. It is made explicit that students will always have a choice of some other disciplinary measure. At page 57 is a corporal punishment waiver which parents may sign. This must be resubmitted annually. On the other hand, "the principal or designee may choose not to use corporal punishment even if the parent has requested it".
- Corsicana Independent School District [PDF]
CP may be a consequence for Category II and Category III offenses. The paddle used must be approved by the principal. Parents wishing to exempt their students must write a letter to that effect at the start of each school year.
See also this June 2008 news report about a controversy over the spanking of a high school girl for a dress code violation.
- Cuero Independent School District [PDF]
Corporal punishment may be used for level II (but not level I -- the least serious) offenses, where it counts as equivalent to an administrative detention. CP is also available for level III with parental consent. In previous versions this applied only to elementary grades, but it now appears to be applicable throughout. Parents may request that CP not be used, and the document includes a form for this purpose.
The latest version of the handbook omits earlier information to the effect that, at the High School, after-school detention (ASD) is the main prescribed punishment for minor infractions. Failure to attend it brings, on the first offense, a choice of two days' ASD or two swats, and, on the second offense, a choice of one day ISS or two swats. Students are always offered the choice of an alternative to CP. It is not clear whether all of that still applies.
- Cumby Independent School District [PDF]
Corporal punishment is used here, with parent permission, at steps 1 and 2 of the Level III office referral procedure, as an alternative to in-school suspension.
See also this May 2011 news item.
- Denver City Independent School District [PDF]
This is not the famous Denver, which is in Colorado, but Denver City, Texas. Corporal punishment is one of many available consequences. Parental objections will be honored. Paddles will be under the control of the principal or designee, and will not generally be displayed. Students may be offered a choice between CP and other forms of discipline. Curiously, where the student handbook goes into detail it mentions paddling only for grades 9-12 and not for grades 7-8. For the first three offenses at level I, the punishment is "one to three detentions assigned or swats administered". At the fourth offense, or on the first occasion in the case of level II offenses, it is one day of ISS "with administrator option of three detentions assigned or swats administered".
- DeSoto ISD Independent School District [PDF]
Corporal punishment is listed here as a Suggested Administrative Discipline Technique for grades Pre K-5, 6-8, and 9-12 (in other words, everybody) for categories of offense "minor", "moderate" or "major", and also from grade 6 onwards for "severe" offenses. The paddle must be approved by the principal; usual rules about witnesses, privacy and documentation. It is not used without parental consent, and at the end of the book is a form on which parents can state whether or not they agree to CP.
See also this July 2004 news item and this May 2009 news item (with video clip).
- Detroit Independent School District [PDF]
The latest version of this handbook goes into more detail than previously. "Swats" are listed as a possible consequence for minor and moderate (levels I and II) offenses but not for the most serious infractions. In addition, at the middle school, a third lunch detention automatically brings "1 swat or 1 ASD", and on the occasion of a sixth lunch detention the student will receive "2 swats or 2 ASDs". For profanity, the punishment is one day of ISS or one swat.
See also this Nov 2006 news item about two boys given a three-lick spanking by the principal at Detroit Middle School, with their parents' approval, for viewing internet pornography.
- Dodd City Independent School District [PDF]
This district has changed the wording of its handbook. It is now made explicit that, in grades 7 through 12, students may choose a spanking in lieu of any of steps 1 through 8 of the 10-step discipline ladder, which otherwise involves progressively increasing amounts of detention and then ISS. This option is apparently not available in grades 1 through 6, where CP is not specifically mentioned. Parental objections to CP must be submitted afresh in writing each year.
- Donna ISD [PDF]
Standard Texas wording in the pan-district policy document.
At Veterans, a penalty of "1-3 days of ISS or 1 swat" is given for a sixth office referral for a minor offense, and "3-5 days of ISS or 2 swats" for a seventh one. Similar sanctions are provided for a fifth and sixth case of truancy or excessive tardiness. Other possibilities include one swat for a third offense of display of affection, or for a second or subsequent offense of skipping class; two swats for a second case of graffiti or a third case of electronic devices; and so on and on. In no case is a paddling of more than two swats specifically mentioned.
- Duncanville City Independent School District [PDF]
CP here is a level I (but not level II or III) consequence, and "shall be limited to paddling the student" and not, as at most Texas schools, "paddling or spanking the student". It may be administered only by the principal or assistant principal. Parents must be contacted in advance in each specific case, apparently even if they have already signed the form at the back of this handbook to say that they give permission in general.
See also this July 2004 news item.
- Eastland Independent School District [PDF]
In a change of rules here, offenses are no longer categorized into different levels. Corporal punishment (no details provided) remains an option. At Siebert, it is no longer specifically mentioned only at kindergarten level but evidently applies throughout the elementary grades. Both the Middle School and High School handbooks, which previously made no specific mention of CP, now spell out that paddling may be used.
- Ennis Independent School District [PDF]
The pan-district policy document gives standard minimalist Texas wording, and most of the individual school handbooks add no CP details.
At the High School it is made explicit that CP may be substituted for ISS, at the rate of two swats of the paddle per day of ISS. However, "students will only be allowed 2 swats per six weeks". Also, ISS for tardiness, specifically, may NOT be converted into a paddling, for some unspecified reason.
See also this Aug 2008 news item.
- Godley Independent School District [PDF]
Here, "3 lunch detentions or 2 swats" is the punishment for minor class or hall disruptions, being in an off-limits area, and leaving class without permission. Similar penalties apply for having no hall pass or no admit slip and suchlike bureaucratic lapses. For a dress code violation, students receive a lunch detention or an after-school detention or one swat on the second offense, and 3 lunch detentions or 2 swats on the third. A third or fourth tardy to class per semester also brings a paddling option. Corporal punishment is not mentioned in relation to more serious offenses, nor do there seem to be any paddlings of more than two swats. All this is for the High School; the handbooks of the elementary, middle and intermediate schools all mention the availability of CP, but do not set out any detailed tariff.
See also this March 2011 news report, which notes that there were a mere 21 paddlings in the previous six months.
- Gold-Burg Independent School District [PDF]
Students on their second tardy have a choice between paddling (number of licks not specified) or 2 days' ISS. For all offenses more generally, CP is one of many possible disciplinary consequences but no details are given. The document no longer spells out, as a previous version did, that "the school is not required to have parent permission to use corporal punishment".
- Grand Prairie Independent School District
More or less standard Texas wording. Parental requests that corporal punishment not be administered will be honored. For extra-curricular activities such as athletics, stricter standards of behavior may be enforced.
CP is a possible disciplinary action in the elementary schools, but the school district does not promote its use.
At the middle and high schools, there is a maximum of three swats per day per student. Parents are notified afterwards.
See also this May 1999 illustrated news item about a 17-year-old schoolgirl cheerleader, pictured, who was paddled for smoking, and this Aug 1999 illustrated follow-up in which her spanking is described. See also this Aug 2006 news item.
Grand Prairie ISD administered about 1,000 paddlings in 2004-05, according to government figures.
- Granger Independent School District [DOC]
Paddling may be administered by a teacher or the principal, but only in the principal's office. High school students may choose a paddling instead of ISS with the principal's approval. Parents are now contacted before CP is used, and are provided with an "opt out" form at registration.
See also this Aug 2004 news item.
- Huntington Independent School District [PDF]
Corporal punishment here is a possible response in all grades to truancy, stealing, sexual harassment, gambling, tobacco and profanity, and in grades 6-12 only also to bodily contact. Parents who wish to opt out of CP must fill out a form each year.
See also this July 2011 news item, which states that the board of trustees has decided to make CP "a more readily available option" but does not explain in what way.
- Iraan-Sheffield Independent School District (covers Iraan and Sheffield) [PDF]
Corporal punishment (no details provided) is listed here as one of the options for disregard for authority, mistreatment of others, vandalism, possession of prohibited items, telecommunications devices, and any tardies from the fifth one onwards, among other things.
- Lancaster Independent School District [PDF]
Corporal punishment is said to be rare, and used only for "conduct of such an extreme nature that ... (it) is the only reasonable form of discipline under the circumstances". It must be given by the principal or assistant principal in an administrative office.
See also this July 2004 news item.
- Lorena Independent School District [PDF]
CP is "an appropriate disciplinary consequence for code of conduct violations". Parental permission is sought beforehand. It is administered by the principal or assistant principal, from one to three swats depending on the severity and regularity of the offense.
- Lufkin Independent School District [PDF]
CP (with parental approval) is an alternative to detention at steps two and three of the eight-step discipline plan.
See also this April 2011 news item.
- Marfa Independent School District [PDF]
The district policy document tells us that corporal punishment "shall not be administered until at least one parent conference has been held or the parent fails to respond or to attend such a conference". It may be inflicted only by the principal or his designee.
The district Code of Conduct states that corporal punishment "with parental permission and involvement" is one of a number of discipline management techniques. The document now includes a form on which parents state that they either do or do not authorize the use of CP.
The current High School handbook reproduces standard Texas wording ("spanking or paddling the student may be used ...") and adds that CP is a "last resort", for which parental consent is required. In a previous version, it was stated that "the principal will use corporal punishment as a first choice when it is appropriate for minor code of conduct violations". These included bus misconduct, throwing objects, insubordination, verbal abuse, profanity, disruption, and a third tardy to any one class. For all these, the penalty was "up to 3 swats". The paddle "will not generally be displayed". Students might be given an option to choose between corporal punishment and "other disciplinary measures" (unspecified).
Here is a picture of the High School Principal, Mr Graydon Hicks, with his paddle ready for use by his left elbow:
- Merkel Independent School District [PDF]
Corporal punishment must be administered by the principal or a designee. Parental requests for exemption are honored.
At the High School, CP (no details provided) is a possible consequence for level II and level III infractions, but not for level I (the least serious).
See also this Oct 2009 news item about a coach who allegedly paddled nine Merkel Middle School football players in their boxer shorts.
- Midlothian Independent School District
The board policy document gives standard minimalist Texas wording.
At the two middle schools, CP is generally available and is also specifically mentioned as a punishment for missing D-Hall (which is apparently something more serious than the ordinary daily detention).
At the elementary schools, CP is said to be for serious offenses.
The high school book says only that "corporal punishment - spanking or paddling the student" is available as a discipline management technique. None of the handbooks gives any details of the paddling procedure.
See also this Oct 2004 news item about a group of disorderly football players at the High School who were given a choice of either serving two days' ISS or being spanked (but it doesn't say which they chose).
- Monahans-Wickett-Pyote Independent School District
At the Cullender Kindergarten, parents have to sign a form to say that they understand that students are subject to disciplinary action "up to and including corporal punishment or criminal prosecution" -- they must have some wild five-year-olds down there. If CP is used, an attempt will be made to contact the parent.
The Monahans High handbook gives standard Texas wording. There is no mention of parental contact. The following picture from its website is of Mr Roy Rutledge, the assistant principal, who clearly likes to keep his paddle close at hand. I hope it doesn't get warped from lying on the radiator:
- Mount Pleasant High School, Mount Pleasant (Alternative link)
This is the "Tiger Athletic Handbook", which provides for corporal punishment (no details given) to be administered to athletes by the sports coach at his or her discretion. It comes fairly low on the list, after "running and pushups" but before "probation". The general code of conduct for ordinary students seems no longer to be on line.
- Olney Independent School District
The standard board policy page gives normal minimalist Texas wording.
The Athletic Handbook states that CP is available "as a choice" for athletes. In particular, discipline for disrespect to a coach "may be extra physical work and/or corporal punishment". CP "would never be used in anger and only when there is a witness".
- Paris Independent School District [PDF]
According to the pan-district Code of Conduct, CP here is limited just to paddling, and not, as it is worded at most Texas schools, "paddling or spanking". This is always ambiguous in American English, so we cannot tell whether the distinction makes any difference. (In British English, "spanking" usually means just with the hand, and not with an implement.)
It is no longer spelled out, as it was in previous years, that students are always given the opportunity to choose between corporal punishment and some other penalty.
Paris (formerly Travis) Junior High has simplified its procedure for tardies. Now, on the first offense, students are offered a choice between one day's lunch detention and an unspecified number of paddle swats (earlier versions specified two). Subsequent tardies to school no longer involve the possibility of CP. However, tardiness to ISS results in "a choice of two swats or an additional ISS assignment".
The individual handbooks of other schools in the district merely state that CP is an optional penalty and give no details.
- Pasadena Independent School District [PDF]
Corporal punishment may be used for minor but not major offenses. It must be confined to the student's buttocks. Parents who do not wish their students paddled must say so in writing each year.
See also this Dec 2010 news item, which says there are about 40 paddlings a year here.
- Perryton Independent School District [PDF]
A previous version of the code of conduct said that paddling was a possible consequence for misdemeanors at level II or higher, but not level I (the least serious). This hierarchy of misbehavior has now apparently been abolished, and CP (typical Texas conditions) is in principle available for any offense. Parental requests not to use CP will be honored.
- Plains Independent School District [PDF]
"Corporal punishment is permitted in order to preserve an effective educational
environment, free from disruption". Typical Texas language about "spanking or paddling", privacy, witnesses and documentation. The principal shall approve the instrument to be used. There is no mention of parental consent.
There is a special policy on tardies: each student is allowed six tardies per semester. At the seventh and eighth tardy, he or she may choose either one paddle swat or a day's detention.
The Athletic Handbook notes that sports coaches must be treated with respect and addressed as ma'am or sir. Coaches may spank athletes who exhibit disrespect, but never in anger and only with a witness.
The handbook for bus drivers tells them that it is not their job to act as disciplinarian: "Never bring a student to the principal having already promised him/her a spanking or removal of bus privileges. When you bring a student to the principal, the principal will decide on the corrective measures".
- Princeton Independent School District
The ordinary handbook merely states that CP is one of the punishments available, using standard Texas language. In the Athletics Handbook, the first line of punishment for athletes who break the rules is "Corporal punishment (POP - Piece of Pine)".
- Roscoe Independent School District [PDF]
This handbook stresses that parental permission is not necessary before the administration of CP. However, every effort will be made to inform parents of it after the event. The document no longer states, as in earlier versions, that paddling is typically used for Level 2 and Level 3 offenses, or when the student is sent to the office for a second time, but simply states instead that CP is one of the disciplinary management techniques that may be used.
See also this Feb 2006 news item.
- Temple Independent School District
In addition to the standard minimal Texas wording about "spanking or paddling", this document says that coaches and PE teachers may use "reasonable physical exercises" to enforce class or team rules, and that this is not considered to be "corporal punishment".
See also this May 2009 news report (with video clip) about the district's revival of corporal punishment (with parental approval) after it had previously been abandoned, and this April 2010 follow-up.
- Timpson Independent School District
Standard minimalist Texas wording in the district-wide policy document.
At the Elementary School, CP is to be administered "in the principal's office or in an area that is not in the line of sight of other students". It may be applied for dress code violations and also for a second bus discipline offense.
The Middle School specifies that paddling may be applied for repeated dress code violations.
At the High School, too, CP is mentioned as a possible penalty for dress code violations. It is no longer specifically mentioned, as it was in earlier versions, as a punishment for tardiness.
See also this Nov 2002 news item about a mass paddling of the entire senior class at the High School.
- Trenton Independent School District
CP may be used for level I (minor) and level II (intermediate) offenses and also for a second bus infraction. There seems to be no mention of the possibility of parental objections.
- Tuloso-Midway Independent School District [PDF]
Here, "there is no disciplinary appeal" against corporal punishment. CP may be considered as an alternative to ISS on parental request.
See also this Feb 2011 news item (with video clip).
- Tyler Independent School District
CP is limited to spanking or paddling the buttocks. Usual rules about privacy and witnesses and not being a first resort. The paddle must be of wood or plastic, not more than ¼" by 3" by 18". Belts and dowel rods may not be used. There is a maximum of three swats.
See also this Nov 2005 news item, reporting that the school board had considered the question of CP and decided to keep it.
- Vidor Independent School District
Standard Texas wording in the pan-district board policy.
The Junior High School handbook says that parental requests not to use CP will be honored. Paddling may be administered in lieu of ISS or Special Assignment Class, except in the case of fighting. This substitution may be made only twice (per semester? it is not made clear).
The High School handbook states merely (page 73) that "Students may be given the opportunity to receive corporal punishment in lieu of other discipline".
At the Middle School, paddling is specifically mentioned as a penalty for Level 3 offenses (truancy, vandalism, tobacco) as an alternative to at least 2 days' ISS.
Other schools in this district mention that they use CP, but give no further information.
- Wall Independent School District [PDF]
Corporal punishment (usual Texas rules) is available for offenses at Level I, II and III. It is particularly mentioned in connection with tobacco use. Also, boys "who continually violate the shirt tail policy" (it has to be tucked in) receive one lick per infraction.
- Waxahachie Independent School District [PDF]
Corporal punishment is an "appropriate disciplinary consequence" for Class I, II and III offenses. It is not mentioned in relation to the most serious offenses (Class IV or V). (In the 2004-05 version it was only for Class I and not Class II or Class III, so the scope for paddling has evidently increased.) All reasonable efforts will be made to contact the parents. Parents may oppose, but in that case must "submit an alternative discipline plan" or agree to suspension. Otherwise, standard Texas wording.
An earlier version of the handbook (archived here) (Alternative link) specified that CP was administered only where the student asked to be paddled in lieu of other punishments, and that each student might make only one such request per semester. It is possible that this still applies, but it no longer seems to be spelled out.
-
Wharton Independent School District [PDF]
The pan-district Code of Conduct states merely that CP is one of the available disciplinary techniques, except where parents have explicitly prohibited its use.
The Junior High handbook merely repeats that CP is a possible sanction and no longer states that parents may not object to it, which is clearly no longer the case.
- Whitewright High School (Alternative link)
Corporal punishment (no details provided) may be administered only by the principal or athletic director.
- Wink-Loving Independent School District
Corporal punishment, "permitted in order to preserve an effective educational environment, free from disruption", may be administered by any teacher. Typical Texas guidelines.
At the elementary school, specific penalties are listed for a long list of specific offenses. "3 swats" is the only punishment listed for (among other things) cheating, leaving without permission, insubordination, misbehavior on the bus, fighting, verbal abuse, and having a mobile phone. On the other hand, for arson, extortion, lookalike drugs, and offensive conduct of a sexual nature, the penalty is three days' ISS. But for profanity, theft, vandalism and tobacco, students will receive 3 swats and three days' ISS. The only crime that doesn't fit this pattern is chewing gum, for which the consequence is only 2 swats.
All the same also applies at the high school, with the addition that paddlings are also meted out for tardiness: 2 swats or detention for a fourth tardy, 3 swats for subsequent tardies.
- Yoakum Independent School District [PDF]
Standard Texas minimalist wording in the pan-district policy manual.
CP is available in general at the junior high and is also specifically mentioned as a punishment for five or more tardies.
At the intermediate school, there is rather a hint that it can be at the student's choice: "teachers and administrators will work with the child to find effective discipline management techniques ... Such actions for the child might include ... accepting corporal punishment." However, it will be used only when other "forms of student control" have failed. Parents who request that CP not be used must also "agree to be available to pick up my child should he/she need this type of punishment".
- These Texas public schools or school districts also state that they use corporal punishment, but give no details beyond the standard Texas wording (Corporal punishment is restricted to spanking or paddling the student and shall be administered "in a designated place" with an approved instrument. In most cases, parents' requests to opt their children out will be honored):
Abilene ISD [PDF] (and see this March 2011 news item)
Alvarado ISD (and see this March 2011 news item and this May 2011 news item with video clip)
Alvin ISD [PDF] (and see this April 2010 news item (with video clip))
Andrews Independent School District [PDF]
Azle ISD [PDF] (and see this March 2011 news item), which reports that CP was used 27 times during the 2009-2010 school year)
Beaumont ISD (and see this Aug 2008 news item)
Brackett ISD [PDF]
Brenham ISD [PDF] (and see also, as regards Alton Elementary School, this Feb 2009 news item).
Burleson ISD [PDF] (and see this March 2011 news item, which reports that CP was used 22 times during the 2009-2010 school year, and that only the principal may spank, usually on parental request)
Bushland ISD [PDF]
Caddo Mills ISD (and see this Nov 2007 news item and this Dec 2007 follow-up about a 15-year-old student, pictured, who photographed his own bruised buttocks after receiving a three-swat paddling)
Calallen ISD, Corpus Christi (and see this Feb 2011 news item)
Chapel Hill ISD [PDF] (and see this Apr 2009 news item)
Chisum ISD, Paris [PDF]
City View ISD, Wichita Falls (and see this Sep 2003 news item and also this Sep 2004 news item and the follow-up below it, and this Dec 2010 report with video clip, and this March 2011 item and its follows-up with video clips.)
Cleveland ISD [PDF] (and see this Nov 2005 news item (with video clip))
Copperas Cove Independent School District [PDF]
Crystal City ISD [PDF]
Clint ISD [PDF] (and see this Feb 2007 news item)
Damon ISD [PDF]
Dublin ISD [PDF]
Dumas ISD (and see this Aug 2008 news item)
Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD [PDF]
Ector County ISD, Odessa [PDF]
El Campo ISD [PDF] (and see this April 2010 news item
Everman ISD (and see this Aug 2006 illustrated news item and its related video clip)
Fabens ISD [PDF] (and see this Feb 2007 news item)
Fairfield ISD [PDF]
Forsan ISD [PDF]
Fort Stockton ISD (and see this Mar 2005 news item, and this Aug 2008 news item and its related video clip)
Grape Creek ISD
Groveton ISD [PDF] (and see this April 2004 news item and this Sep 2005 follow-up and also this Sep 2004 news item)
Hallsburg ISD, Waco [PDF] (and see this Aug 2005 news item)
Harrold ISD [PDF]
Hillsboro ISD
Jim Ned Consolidated ISD [DOC] (and see this March 2011 news item)
Joshua ISD [PDF] (and see this Apr 2008 news item and its related video clip, and this March 2011 report, which says that there were 30 paddlings in school year 2009-2010)
Jourdanton ISD [PDF]
La Vega ISD [PDF] (and see this Feb 2010 news item and this June 2010 follow-up)
Liberty ISD [PDF]
Lipan ISD (Alternative link)
Longview ISD (and see this Feb 2007 news item)
Louise ISD [PDF] (and see this April 2010 news item)
Lubbock Independent School District [PDF] (and see also this April 2010 news item)
Magnolia ISD [PDF] (and see this June 2008 news item)
Marble Falls ISD (and see this Aug 2005 news item)
Marshall ISD
Mason ISD [PDF]
Midland ISD [PDF] (and see this Sep 2011 news item)
Montgomery ISD [PDF]
Morgan Mill ISD
Nederland ISD (and see this Aug 2008 news item)
New Braunfels ISD [PDF]
North Forest ISD [PDF] (and see this April 2010 news item and this Feb 2011 news item)
Palacios ISD (and see this July 2005 news item)
Pettus ISD
Pharr - San Juan - Alamo ISD [PDF] (and see this Feb 2005 news item)
Pine Tree ISD, Longview [PDF] (but see also this Feb 2007 news item, according to which CP is in practice very rarely used)
Port Arthur ISD (and see this Aug 2008 news item)
Ranger ISD [PDF]
Refugio ISD [PDF] (and see also this Nov 2008 news item)
Rosebud-Lott ISD [PDF] (and see also this June 2009 news item)
Rusk ISD [PDF]
San Angelo ISD
San Augustine ISD [PDF] (and see this Nov 2009 news item)
Spring Hill ISD [PDF] (but see also this Feb 2007 news item, according to which CP is not used at the high school but only in grades K-8)
Springtown ISD (and see this Sep 2007 news item and video clip, and also this March 2011 news item, which reports that the paddle had been used 103 times in the previous seven months, mostly at student's choice, though it is not used at the elementary level)
Texarkana ISD (Texas) (and see this March 2006 news item)
Tornillo ISD [PDF] (and see this Feb 2007 news report that CP was recently reinstated after having been abandoned)
Victoria ISD [PDF]
Water Valley ISD [PDF]
West Rusk ISD
White Settlement ISD [PDF]
VIRGINIA: private schools
- Greenbriar Christian Academy, Chesapeake [PDF]
This handbook states that in certain situations CP "is scriptural" and is effective in correcting behavior. However, it is "rarely used" and in most cases is carried out by the parent at the school's request. The CP policy is no longer set out in detail (you now have to ask the school office for a copy), but it used to say that CP would not be used if "the student refuses to be spanked in the proper format" or refers to "any physical problem that might be complicated by spanking".
WASHINGTON STATE: private schools
- Maple Valley Christian Elementary School, Renton
This school doesn't detail its punishments, but it says it is guided by the "biblical principles of discipline set forth by" Dr James Dobson, who famously favors CP at this age group.
WISCONSIN: private schools
- Eagle Christian School, Richland Center
Minor offenses, such as chewing gum once, "are not to be disciplined with the paddle". However, if a student receives a "third disciplinary memo", the parents are summoned for a conference, and "a spanking may be administered at this time or any other appropriate time".
The parents are given the opportunity to deliver the spanking themselves, but it must take place on the same day as the offense, on school premises, and be witnessed by a teacher or administrator. If the parent refuses to allow it, the student is expelled. The instrument is a flat board, available in the church office.
There is an unusually high maximum dose of "ten strokes on the behind".
- Faith Christian School, Coleman [PDF]
Application form on which parents must invest authority in the school to use corporal punishment (no details provided).
- Wyldewood Christian School, Oshkosh
Before students will be accepted, parents must sign the "Corporal correction policy". However, the school has written to me to say that the staff do not administer the CP; the parents must agree to do it at home.
WYOMING: public schools
- Campbell County School District, Gillette
At Wright Junior/Senior High, "reasonable corporal discipline" may be used. "Students may be given an option of either swats, detention or other disciplinary measures when deemed appropriate by the building administrator. Swats may be administered to the buttocks and no other part of the body." If the student chooses to be spanked, he or she is asked to contact the parents, or the principal may do so, to inform them of the misconduct and that the student "has elected to receive swats rather than other punishment". Only the principal, assistant principal or designee may deliver the paddling, and another employee must be present as witness.
- Fremont County School District, Riverton
This stipulates that only elementary schools may use corporal punishment; a record must be kept. At the Middle School and the High School, "no paddle or other means of inflicting such punishment shall be retained on school premises".
In fact, none of the four elementary schools mentions CP in the discipline pages of their individual websites, so I suspect this policy may be a dead letter.
- Johnson County School District #1 (covers Buffalo, Kaycee)
CP is for use in extreme cases when other methods have been exhausted. It is applied to the buttocks with -- most unusually -- "open hand, paddle, switch, or like instrument". Typical rules about witnesses and documentation, but nothing about privacy, or parental consent or notification.
- Park County School District, Powell
The only kind of CP allowed here is "spanking/swats". Only the principal or assistant principal may administer it, and the Board requires its use to be kept to a minimum. Rules about witnesses and due process. Parents are contacted beforehand where possible.
- These Wyoming public schools also state that they may use corporal punishment, but give few or no details:
Carbon County School District (covers Encampment, Hanna, Saratoga) [PDF]
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The school handbook links are spread over six pages: