NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Two Tennessee lawmakers are continuing the fight to ban corporal punishment in schools. State Senator Heidi Campbell and Representative Jason Powell filed legislation this week to put an end to the law.
Tennessee is one of 17 states that allow paddling and spankings in the country. Campbell says corporal punishment sends a message that the way to deal with conflict is through physical violence.
This isn't the first time this has come up. She sponsored a bill in 2022, but it failed. This week she re-filed the bill.
Current law allows for punishment for "good cause in order to maintain discipline and order within the public schools."
Lawmakers say some of the big school districts like Nashville, Williamson, Murfreesboro, and Shelby have banned the punishment, so it's time to address it throughout the state.
She and representative Powell say one of their main reasons for reintroducing the bill is they believe punishment affects children's mental health negatively and impacts their development.
This is a beautiful story of chosen family, proving a father figure doesn't have to have biology in common to make a difference in a child's life. The story of De'Andre and Alex will remind you that our relationships help determine the course of our lives. And that being supportive of someone - through a meal, a shared experience or even swim lessons can make all the difference.
- Rebecca Schleicher
