Corporal Punishment “Opt-Out” Policy back in Spotlight

ASHEBORO N.C. — Randolph County Schools’ corporal punishment opt-out policy is drawing renewed attention as students return to classrooms. Parents have voiced concerns on social media and to local news outlets about the district’s policy allowing corporal punishment unless families explicitly opt out.

Under North Carolina General Statutes school personnel may use reasonable force in what the statute calls “the exercise of lawful authority to restrain or correct pupils and maintain order.” It is this provision that sets up the use of corporal punishment in schools. 

The Randolph County School System established its corporal punishment policy in 1989 and last updated it on Nov. 19, 2012. While the policy states corporal punishment is “not encouraged,” it allows its use across all grade levels under strict guidelines. Parents receive opt-out forms annually, and guidelines include the following provisions:

• Corporal punishment must involve striking the buttocks with a hand or paddle.
• Actions such as slapping, shaking, or striking a child’s face or head are strictly prohibited, as is any force causing medical injury beyond basic first aid.
• Parents must be notified in advance if corporal punishment is considered. If they oppose its use, alternative disciplinary measures will be applied.
• The punishment must be administered by a teacher, assistant principal, or principal, with a witness present.

According to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, districts must report corporal punishment incidents annually. The most recent reports show no cases of corporal punishment in the 2020-21 school year. The practice last appeared in statewide data during the 2017-18 school year, with two districts reporting a combined 60 incidents, down from 75 incidents in 2016-17.