Corporal punishment is still legal in schools in 19 states. This method of "discipline" has been proven damaging and harmful to the developing brain, as well as highly ineffective in its intended purpose. It should not be legal anywhere, but most especially in our institutions which have the purpose of education. 

Corporal punishment is a violation of our children's human rights. It inflicts physical, psychological and emotional pain, which can definitely be permanent. The purpose of  our schools is  to educate our children to become academically and socially proficient members of society. We should base our educational philosophies and practices on scientific research. The research  is abundant and clear providing evidence that corporal punishment has equal effects on our children as chronic abuse does. 

Therefore, this petition stands to demand the complete abolition and  criminalization of such practices in our schools.