Cruel Schools

The EIGHTEEN States that Still Allow Corporal Punishment in Schools and the Resulting Harms to Children of Color and Students with Disabilities

Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG)’s report highlights the racist roots of corporal punishment and how Black and Brown children are the primary recipients of punishment. We find there are 18 states that still allow corporal punishment in public schools, with some targeting preschool-aged children. Children of color and students with disabilities are disproportionately targeted in incidents of corporal punishment. 

At the national level, findings include: 

  • Black children make up 15.1% of public school students, but 37.3% of corporal punishment incidents;

  • Children with disabilities make up 13.2% of public school students, but 16.5% of corporal punishment incidents;

  • Native American children make up 1.0% of public school students, but 1.9% of corporal punishment incidents.

  • Each state that uses corporal punishment in public schools disproportionately uses corporal punishment against at least one marginalized community.

View or download the full report below.

Thank you to L4GG’s Pro Bono Partners who provided pro bono research and analysis for this report, including Linklaters LLP, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP, Robins Kaplan LLP, Shearman & Sterling LLP, Sidley Austin LLP, and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP.

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