Prohibition of Corporal Punishment

The use of corporal punishment in common schools is prohibited. Corporal punishment is defined as any act that willfully inflicts or willfully causes the infliction of physical pain on a student.

Corporal punishment does not include:

  1. The use of reasonable physical force by an administrator, teacher, other school employee, or volunteer as necessary to maintain order to prevent a student from harming him/herself, other students, school staff, other persons, or property;
  2. Physical pain or discomfort resulting from or caused by training for or participating in athletic competition or recreational activity voluntarily engaged in by a student;
  3. Physical exertion shared by all students in a teacher-directed class activity, which may include, but is not limited to, physical education exercises, field trips or vocational education projects.

 

Cross References:

Board Policy 3241 – Classroom Management, Discipline and Corrective Action

Legal References:

RCW 28A.150.300 Corporal punishment prohibited – Adoption of policy

WAC 392-400-235 Discipline – Conditions and limitations

 

Adoption Date: 09/19/01
Classification: Encouraged
Revised Dates: 08/28/13; 01/13/21