By Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy CEO Joe Dorman
The season for legislative interim studies is quickly coming to an end. I would like to thank those lawmakers who have dedicated time and effort to ensuring that the studies which the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) requested were handled superbly. Each of the studies which we followed involving children were enlightening and others we were an active part in, I felt, were useful for policymakers.
OICA is deeply concerned though about one upcoming study, and we want to encourage Oklahomans to pay close attention to the conversation. Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, was granted a study entitled “The Effectiveness of Properly Administered Corporal Punishment.” This study will be heard before the House Rules Committee on Monday, Oct 21.
The study is in no doubt a response to the efforts over the past two sessions to end the practice of corporal punishment on disabled students in Oklahoma schools, a measure OICA strongly supported. Olson was one of the most outspoken opponents of this effort to prevent government employees from hitting disabled children, some of whom might not even understanding for what they are being punished. Our OETA conversation on this topic can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=EIHt1rr4wl0 on YouTube.
Olson is clearly on the opposite side of this issue from OICA and many other child advocates. His study description outlines that he will have the testimonies of two or three superintendents, two child psychologists, one opposing view, testimony of a homeschooling father, and a brief look at the Scriptures. Despite one opposing view on the agenda, the title of the study presents its forgone conclusion: inflicting violence upon children is an encouraged means of discipline.
Under Oklahoma law, “Corporal punishment” means, as defined in 70 O.S. § 13-116, the deliberate infliction of physical pain by hitting, paddling, spanking, slapping, or any other physical force used as a means of discipline.
It is estimated that about 130 rural schools across the state still administer corporal punishment to students, usually, but not always, with the permission of a parent or guardian, with just over 60 of those districts still using corporal punishment on children classified in some special needs category, including severe cases.
I know one aspect, the belief that this is allowed under scripture, will likely be frustrating for me to hear. Representative Olsen and I strongly disagree about whether the Bible condones the topic, as was highlighted in our OETA conversation.
Bishop James Nunn, recently retired from the Oklahoma United Methodist Conference, sums up my views of this topic here: https://www.oklahoman.com/story/opinion/columns/2024/05/03/opinion-united-methodists-do-not-condone-corporal-punishment-bishop-says/73517371007/. The bottom line: using violence to discipline children is not Biblical.
I would encourage you to either attend or listen to the study and reach out to your own state senator and representative with your views on the topic. All interim studies are open to the public to attend, along with members of the press who wish to cover the topic. The meeting will be streamed over the internet at https://former.okhouse.gov/Video/Default.aspx should you want to watch but are unable to attend. Select the study by the Rules Committee.
For those wishing to attend in person, the study will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in room 206 of the Oklahoma State Capitol at 2300 N. Lincoln Boulevard in Oklahoma City. Public parking is in the large lot south of the Capitol building.
If this topic is submitted as legislation again next year, OICA will keep you informed, and will again support any measure to end the practice of corporal punishment on disabled students in school.
