Oklahoma Continues Debate on School Corporal Punishment

The Oklahoma State Capitol hosted an interim study on the use of corporal punishment in schools, led by Rep. Jim Olsen, with mixed reactions from various stakeholders including school superintendents and child psychologists. The study highlighted that corporal punishment remains legal in Oklahoma, one of only 17 states allowing it, with repeated legislative failures to ban it for students with significant cognitive disabilities. Opponents like Dr. David Blatt presented research suggesting corporal punishment is ineffective and harmful, while advocates argue for local school district autonomy. Despite most districts, especially in urban areas, phasing out paddling, roughly 25% in rural areas still permit it. The debate is expected to continue, particularly concerning the discipline of special needs students, with no immediate legislative changes anticipated.