Louisiana Senate Bill SCR18

Louisiana 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/12/21
• Refer: 4/12/21
• Report Pass: 5/3/21
• Passed: 5/4/21
• Engrossed: 5/4/21
• Refer: 5/5/21
• Report Pass: 5/13/21

Caption

Requests the state Department of Education to study the feasibility of banning the use of corporal punishment in public schools.

Impact

The resolution's implications for state laws revolve around the potential reconsideration and modification of existing statutes that currently permit corporal punishment in public schools. If the feasibility study leads to a recommendation for a ban, it would significantly change disciplinary practices in schools across the state. This aligns with the trends observed in at least thirty-one other states and over fifty countries where corporal punishment has already been prohibited.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 18 (SCR18) urges the state Department of Education to study the feasibility of banning corporal punishment in public schools. The resolution highlights that corporal punishment is defined as using physical force to discipline a student, and points out the substantial use of such measures in 54 of the state’s 70 school districts. Notably, SCR18 draws on research indicating that corporal punishment is ineffective as a behavioral deterrent and poses risks to mental health and academic success for students.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SCR18 appears to be largely supportive, particularly among advocates for student welfare and mental health. The growing awareness of the detrimental impacts of corporal punishment has sparked a call for more positive disciplinary approaches. However, there may be counterarguments from stakeholders who see corporal punishment as a necessary disciplinary tool for maintaining order, particularly in under-resourced schools.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the disparity in how corporal punishment affects various demographics, especially minority students and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. The resolution also raises questions about the adequacy of alternative disciplinary methods and whether schools are equipped to implement positive, effective, and supportive measures if corporal punishment is eliminated. The study requested by SCR18 aims to address these critical concerns and provide a comprehensive assessment of potential reforms.