JEFFERSON CITY — Legislation sponsored by Sen. Joseph Keaveny, D-St. Louis, was voted do pass by the Senate Progress and Development Committee today (4-16).
Senate Bill 827 would prohibit the use of corporal punishment in all schools, including private educational institutions, in Missouri. The measure would also require school districts’ discipline policy must prohibit the use of corporal punishment and spanking.
“I am glad to see this legislation gain the support of the committee and receive a passing vote,” Sen. Keaveny said. “It is imperative that we ensure that our children are not only safe in our schools, but feel safe and have no fear of physical punishment.”
During the committee hearing, several fifth grade students and teachers from St. Margaret of Scotland testified in support of Senate Bill 827.
The students said corporal punishments and spanking in schools violated 8th Amendment rights, made children feel unsafe and had the potential to make all students more likely to be aggressive, depressed and anxious.
Statistics show that in 2008 there were 5,000 children who received corporal punishment in schools in the St. Louis area, with parental consent.
“These students are part of what makes this legislation so important,” Sen. Keaveny said. “There is nothing more powerful than having children tell you how they feel about legislation that affects them.”
To follow the progress of Sen. Keaveny’s sponsored legislation; please visit his Missouri Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/keaveny. |
