A Democratic proposal to ban corporal punishment in public schools and child care facilities receiving state money initially passed the House on Monday. But as Bente Birkeland reports, while Colorado is one of 19 states where corporal punishment is not explicitly banned, some lawmakers say the proposal is not necessary.
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Capitol Coverage: Corporal Punishment in Colorado Schools kgnu
The state’s system of local control leaves the decision up to individual school districts. Data shows that it is exceedingly rare and that no school district in Colorado currently allows it.
So former school superintendent and Republican Representative Jim Wilson of Salida says why create a new law?
What we have in place is working. I’m one of those folks that believe that if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.
That’s the argument he and other Republicans made.
But Democratic sponsor, Representative Susan Lontine of Denver says her proposal will reinforce best practices and believes there should be clarity in state statute to define corporal punishment.
I believe that is best the state has a standard and if school districts want to add to that they are certainly free to.
It’s not clear if the measure will pass the Republican controlled Senate. Despite some Republican opposition on the House floor the measure cleared an earlier committee with bipartisan support. I’m BB at the state capitol.
