NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — One Tennessee Democratic lawmaker has proposed a ban on corporal punishment in schools.
A bill filed by Sen. Heidi Campbell (D-Nashville) and Rep. Jason Powell (D-Nashville) would officially prohibit the use of corporal punishment, otherwise known as paddling or spanking, in schools for Tennessee students. The law, if passed would apply to all school officials, including teachers and administrators.
“Teachers, school principals, or school personnel shall not use corporal punishment against a student,” the bill states.
Currently, Tennessee law allows for corporal punishment for “good cause in order to maintain discipline and order within the public schools.” There are some exceptions to the law, such as if the student has a disability, though parents of a child with a disability are currently able to submit permission in writing for corporal punishment if necessary.
In that case, state law says the principal must inform the parent that the school will be using corporal punishment on their child.
The bill has passed initial steps but is not yet assigned to any subcommittees, as of Jan. 24.