3244: Prohibition of Corporal Punishment

Corporal punishment is any act which willfully inflicts or willfully causes the infliction of physical pain on a student, and is not permitted. Corporal punishment does not include:

1. The use of reasonable physical force by an administrator, teacher, other school employee or volunteer as necessary to maintain order to prevent a student from harming him/herself, other students, school staff and other persons, or property;
2. Physical pain or discomfort resulting from or caused by training for or participating in athletic competition or recreational activity voluntarily engaged in by a student;
3. Physical exertion shared by all students in a teacher-directed class activity, which may include, but is not limited to, physical education exercises, field trips or vocational education projects; or
4. Physical restraint or the use of aversive therapy as part of a behavior management program in a student's individual education program which has been signed by the parent and is carried out according to district procedures.

Cross Reference

• Board Policy 3241 Classroom Management, Corrective Actions or Punishment

Legal References

• RCW 28A.150.300 Corporal punishment prohibited — Adoption of policy
• WAC 392-172A-03130 Aversive interventions — Other forms Conditions
• WAC 392-400-235 Discipline — Conditions and limitations