We need to abolish corporal punishment in Americas public schools! As an educator, I am appalled this practice is still supported by our American government. The United States is among only three developed nations in the world still allowing corporal punishment in schools. Schools are the only institutions in America in which striking another person is legally sanctioned. It is not allowed in prisons, in the military or in mental hospitals.

In 23 states, school children are still struck with two-foot long boards. Black students are hit at twice the rate of their makeup in the population. Blacks comprise 17\% of students, but receive 37\% of paddlings. Whites make up 63\% of all students, but receive 55\% of the corporal punishment. Teachers in Texas account for more than one-fourth of all school paddlings in the country! In Mississippi, one out of every ten children is struck with a paddle by a teacher. Ending school paddling is the first step we should take.

Ending the legal defense "reasonable corporal punishment" would give children rights provided the rest of our citizens. Ending paddling of school children would send a message to children that hitting is not a way of solving problems.

We wonder why we have so many violent crimes taking place in our country? What kind of lesson are we teaching children when we allow them to be legally beaten at schools with boards!

This discipline practice at our schools must end!!!