A recent study by Human Rights Watch revealed that students with disabilities are disproportionately spanked, paddled, or beaten by educators in American public schools. Though they only make up 13.7% of the student population, these individuals bear the brunt of 18.8% of reported corporal punishments.
The 70-page report indicates that 20 states allow corporal punishment in public schools, including Indiana. The official press release states that "At least 41,972 students with disabilities were subjected to corporal punishment in US schools during [the 2006-2007 school year]." Reports include punishments doled out for involuntary behaviors, such as "students with Tourette syndrome being punished for exhibiting involuntary tics and students with autism being punished for repetitive behaviors such as rocking."
The Human Rights Watch organization contends that legal corporal punishment is a "violation of international human rights law" and urges Americans and politicians to instate a national ban.
You can read the full report here.
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