Bill would prohibit paddling in schools

COLUMBUS — Calling it a morally repugnant practice, two state lawmakers gave opening testimony for a bill that would ban corporal punishment in Ohio schools.

House Bill 406, sponsored by Reps. Jon Peterson, a Republican from Delaware, and Brian Williams, a Democrat from Akron, would affect 17 districts in the state that still administer paddling as a means of discipline.

“There is nothing to indicate that beating our children furthers [advanced learning],” Peterson told the House’s Education Committee today. “We all agree that discipline is important, but we should be focused on effective discipline.”

Under current state law, school districts that have adopted the appropriate policies and resolutions can administer corporal punishment.

Among the districts that have done so are West Branch in Mahoning County (two paddlings administered to one pupil in 2005-06), Mogadore in Portage County (16 paddlings administered to 13 pupils), Canton City in Stark County (91 paddlings to 50 pupils) and Barberton City in Summit County (three paddlings to two pupils), according to statistics compiled by the lawmakers.

Under the proposed legislation, school districts would be banned from paddling pupils.

For the complete story, see Wednesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.