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A new report calls for a handful of states, including Alabama, to outlaw a certain form of discipline in schools. Alabama is one of nearly two dozen states where corporal punishment is still legal. The American Academy of Pediatrics defines corporal punishment as the infliction of pain upon a person's body as punishment.Dainisha Lucas has four children in Jefferson County Schools and supports corporal punishment. "I think if it's based on good intentions because it does take a village to raise kids," Lucas said. "It took a village to raise me. If it is based on good intentions, I don't have a problem with that because the way the world is now, the kids are actually getting out of hand." WVTM 13 approached several other people on Tuesday for interviews about corporal punishment. All declined with most saying they just don't know how they feel about the issue. The report from The American Academy of Pediatrics goes on to say black students and children with disabilities are disproportionately impacted by corporal punishment. Even though she supports corporal punishment, Lucas is bothered by that particular statistic. "Like, I have three Black boys, and I have a daughter," she explained. "I do think they would be targeted more."The academy recommends age-appropriate and nonviolent means of controlling behavior. Things like conflict resolution, mentoring, and individual therapy. WVTM 13 recently sat down with the president of the Central Alabama American Federation of Teachers, a local teachers union. The interview was not focused on the issue of corporal punishment but on the issue of student discipline in general."You know, that's the number one reason that teachers and educators and support staff are walking out," Erika Hughes said. Lucas says she's constantly hearing about issues with student discipline in area schools. "I do think that some of the parents shouldn't always accuse the teacher because everyone knows their child," Lucas added. "I have four kids. I know my kids. So, you shouldn't always think it's the teacher's fault. Sometimes, it's the kids. The kids are getting out of hand."The American Academy of Pediatrics addresses parents in the new report. Parents are encouraged to avoid spanking, hitting, slapping, and other forceful means of punishing their kids. WVTM 13 reached out to state superintendent, Eric Mackey, on Tuesday for a reaction at the state level. We are waiting to hear back.
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. —
A new report calls for a handful of states, including Alabama, to outlaw a certain form of discipline in schools.
Alabama is one of nearly two dozen states where corporal punishment is still legal. The American Academy of Pediatrics defines corporal punishment as the infliction of pain upon a person's body as punishment.
Dainisha Lucas has four children in Jefferson County Schools and supports corporal punishment.
"I think if it's based on good intentions because it does take a village to raise kids," Lucas said. "It took a village to raise me. If it is based on good intentions, I don't have a problem with that because the way the world is now, the kids are actually getting out of hand."
WVTM 13 approached several other people on Tuesday for interviews about corporal punishment. All declined with most saying they just don't know how they feel about the issue.
The report from The American Academy of Pediatrics goes on to say black students and children with disabilities are disproportionately impacted by corporal punishment. Even though she supports corporal punishment, Lucas is bothered by that particular statistic.
"Like, I have three Black boys, and I have a daughter," she explained. "I do think they would be targeted more."
The academy recommends age-appropriate and nonviolent means of controlling behavior. Things like conflict resolution, mentoring, and individual therapy.
WVTM 13 recently sat down with the president of the Central Alabama American Federation of Teachers, a local teachers union. The interview was not focused on the issue of corporal punishment but on the issue of student discipline in general.
"You know, that's the number one reason that teachers and educators and support staff are walking out," Erika Hughes said.
Lucas says she's constantly hearing about issues with student discipline in area schools.
"I do think that some of the parents shouldn't always accuse the teacher because everyone knows their child," Lucas added. "I have four kids. I know my kids. So, you shouldn't always think it's the teacher's fault. Sometimes, it's the kids. The kids are getting out of hand."
The American Academy of Pediatrics addresses parents in the new report. Parents are encouraged to avoid spanking, hitting, slapping, and other forceful means of punishing their kids.
WVTM 13 reached out to state superintendent, Eric Mackey, on Tuesday for a reaction at the state level. We are waiting to hear back.
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