Vermont Corporal Punishment in Public Schools Laws
By Jade Yeban, J.D. | Legally reviewed by Susan Mills Richmond, Esq. | Last reviewed May 07, 2024
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In the state of Vermont, the use of corporal punishment has been a topic of debate and legal consideration. Corporal punishment refers to the intentional infliction of physical pain or discomfort. This is inflicted upon a student as a form of discipline or punishment. It typically involves actions such as paddling or spanking. The issue of corporal punishment in schools raises concerns about its effectiveness. Critics are also concerned about its impact on students' well-being. Let's explore Vermont's corporal punishment laws in more detail below.
A Brief History of Corporal Punishment in American Public Schools
The use of corporal punishment has been a longstanding disciplinary practice. This practice was once common in American public schools. The use of corporal punishment was considered a legitimate method of enforcing discipline. Many believed it helped maintain order among students. Corporal punishment involves inflicting physical pain on students. This is often through practices like paddling or spanking.
Over time, concerns emerged about the potential for child abuse. Particularly, there were concerns surrounding students of vulnerable populations. These populations include students with disabilities or mental health challenges. The use of physical punishment in schools became increasingly scrutinized as awareness grew. People became concerned about the impact of corporal punishment on learning environments. They were also concerned about the well-being of adolescents. This scrutiny led to changes in school discipline policies. The U.S. Department of Education has advocated against the use of corporal punishment. The Department has thus promoted alternative disciplinary actions.
In response to changing attitudes, corporal punishment is now disallowed in 33 states and the District of Columbia, including Alaska, Iowa, Washington, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and California. Also, four states have disallowed corporal punishment in all schools, including private schools. So, variations in policy persist across different regions of the country. This reflects diverse education plans across the country, including in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, and Colorado, where there is no state ban on corporal punishment.
Corporal Punishment in Vermont Public Schools
In Vermont, corporal punishment in public schools is explicitly prohibited by state law. The Vermont Statutes Annotated (V.S.A.) outline the rules and regulations governing the use of physical force as a disciplinary measure.
The chart below lists more information about corporal punishment in Vermont public schools. See FindLaw's School Discipline section for related resources, including School Discipline History.
Code Section |
|
|---|---|
Is Punishment Allowed? |
No. Corporal punishment is prohibited. Corporal punishment is the intentional infliction of physical pain on a child. |
Is Circumstantial Force Allowed? |
State law doesn't prohibit interventions using reasonable and necessary force. This type of force can be used in certain situations. School personnel can intervene to quell a disturbance or get possession of dangerous objects. They can also intervene for the purpose of self-defense and the protection of persons or property. Force is not allowed for student misbehavior alone. |
Note: State laws are not permanent. They may change at any time through the decisions of higher courts, the enactment of newly signed legislation, and other means. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of these pages, you also may want to contact a Vermont education law attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Getting Legal Help With Corporal Punishment in Vermont
Parents or legal guardians of school children may have concerns about corporal punishment. If your child has experienced physical force in the state of Vermont, you may want to seek legal help. Legal help can provide clarity on state and federal laws regarding classroom management. Attorneys can help communicate with your local school district or State Board of Education. They can help advocate for your student's civil rights and improve the school climate overall.
Consult with a Vermont education attorney about your case today.
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