The Oklahoma House of Representatives has successfully passed a bill designed to protect students with disabilities from corporal punishment. Senate Bill 364, which aims to prohibit non-parents from using physical discipline on these students, is now awaiting the governor’s approval to become law.
This bill bars school employees from the deliberate infliction of physical pain by hitting, paddling, spanking, slapping, or using any other kind of physical force as a means of disciplining a child with a disability as defined by the Disabilities Education Act.
The bill was authored by Speaker Pro Tem Anthony Moore. Moore explained the rationale behind the legislation, acknowledging that while some parents and educators support corporal punishment as a means to deter negative behavior, it is crucial to safeguard students with disabilities. He emphasized that these students may not comprehend the reasons for such punishment, or it may be more harmful than beneficial.
Sen. Dave Rader, R-Tulsa, authored the bill.
“Children with disabilities who struggle with behavioral issues or impulse control should be met with patience and understanding, not physical discipline,” said Rader. “This bill gives our very fine Oklahoma educators clear guidance that corporal punishment is not acceptable when working with any students with disabilities.”
