Corporal Punishment in U.S. Public Schools: A Review of State Bans.

This article provides a comprehensive review of state statutes and policies regarding corporal punishment (CP) in U.S. public schools, highlighting that 18 states still permit CP while 32 states have legal bans, with 10 of those allowing exceptions for use of force to maintain order. Despite the adoption of trauma-informed education policies—which emphasize safety, trust, and positive behavioral supports—all states permitting CP also mandate at least one trauma-informed strategy, creating a legal and policy contradiction. The review underscores that CP disproportionately affects marginalized students and lacks evidence of positive developmental outcomes, while posing risks to student safety and well-being. The authors recommend that policymakers eliminate CP and resolve inconsistencies between trauma-informed mandates and CP allowances to ensure safe, equitable educational environments.