A school board in the US state of Missouri has reintroduced caning. With the new policy, the Cassville County School Board is implementing the wishes of many parents, explained agency chief Merlyn Johnson.
Since Wednesday, legal guardians have been able to give their consent for the new school year in writing.
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“In the case of indiscipline, the parents want an option other than expulsion from school,” said Johnson, explaining the reintroduction. Caning is considered a “last resort” when other measures have failed. It is intended that the procedure, the so-called paddling, will only be used by a headmaster and in the presence of a witness. Up to three hits to the buttocks are allowed.
Cassville is a “very traditional community in southwest Missouri,” Johnson said. Parents have repeatedly expressed frustration that corporal punishment was not allowed in the district. A survey of school employees, parents and students also revealed that indiscipline is currently a major problem.
“The parents asked us, ‘Why can’t you hit my kid?’ – and we said, ‘Because our policy doesn’t support it,'” Johnson said. Finally, the decision was made to follow the parents’ requests.
Caning with a wooden stick is still legal in 19 American states. In 1977, the United States Supreme Court ruled that the practice was not unconstitutional. (KNA)