Oklahoma Legislature Moves to Ban Physical Discipline for Disabled Students
Oklahoma lawmakers have passed Senate Bill 364, which prohibits physical discipline for students with federally recognized disabilities, sending the bill to Governor Kevin Stitt for approval. The legislation discards existing state provisions that allowed corporal punishment for students with "most significant cognitive disabilities," now extending protection to all students with disabilities, including those with emotional impairments and conditions such as Down syndrome and autism.
Rep. Anthony Moore (R-Clinton), the bill’s author, emphasized the need for such a ban by citing disturbing cases of misconduct where disabled students were physically harmed in schools. He highlighted that the practice persists in about 60 Oklahoma school districts, contradicting the belief that it has become obsolete due to evolving educational standards.
Opposition, including concerns from Rep. Jim Olsen (R-Roland), expressed worries that the bill’s language is overly broad, potentially excluding students who may need parental consent for consistent discipline, such as those with minor speech impediments. Olsen argued that local control and parental rights should be preserved in disciplinary decisions.
While supporters, including Rep. Cynthia Roe (R-Lindsay), argued against corporal punishment on ethical grounds, noting that studies reveal disabled students face physical discipline at disproportionate rates, detractors like Rep. Kevin West (R-Moore) claimed the legislation could prevent parents from choosing effective disciplinary measures for their children.
This legislative decision follows a national trend as states reevaluate the ethics of corporal punishment, especially for vulnerable populations. With the bill having passed with a 61-23 vote, it raises critical discussions about accountability, child rights, and the appropriateness of physical discipline in educational settings.
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