By Bob Katzen
Another measure before the Education Committee would ban private schools from using corporal punishment on any students. It also would require private schools to submit reports to Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education of physical restraint in instances where it was necessary to protect students. Current law only prohibits the use of corporal punishment in public schools.
“I was horrified to learn, through the advocacy of a constituent, that corporal punishment was still permitted in private educational institutions,” said sponsor Rep. Mike Kushmerek (D-Fitchburg). “As a recent father, I shudder to think of any educator or staff member disciplining students through the use of force. I strongly believe, and ample data and research validate, that corporal punishment is both ineffective and cruel and should be banned from all educational settings in the commonwealth.”