Policy Details Page

RSS Feeds Subscribe to Alerts
3244 - Prohibition of Corporal Punishment

Policy No. 3244
Students

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:

  • 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;
  • The use of isolation or restraint when used as reasonably necessary to control spontaneous behavior that poses an imminent likelihood of serious harm, as defined and carried out in District Policy 2163
  • Physical pain or discomfort resulting from or caused by training for or participation in athletic competition or recreational activity voluntarily engaged in by a student;
  • 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
  • The use of isolation or restraint as part of a planned behavior intervention identified in a student’s Section 504 plan or Individualized Education Program, carried out according to district procedures in compliance with WAC Chapter 392-172A, and under circumstances where the student’s individual needs require more specific advanced educational planning and the student’s parent agrees.

Cross References:

  • Policy 3241 Corrective Actions or Punishment
  • Policy 2163 Isolation and Restraint
  • Policy 2162 Education of Students under Section 504
  • Policy 2161 Special Education and Related Services for Eligible Students
  • Policy 3210 Nondiscrimination

Legal References:

  • Substitute House Bill 1240 (7/24/2015)
  • RCW 28A.150.300 Corporal Punishment Prohibited
  • RCW 28A.155.020
  • RCW 28A.600.485
  • WAC 392-400-235 Discipline--Conditions and limitations
  • WAC 392-172A Rules for the Provision of Special Education

Adoption Date: 6/22/00
WAC Updated: 10/24/07
Revised: 09/15/15, 10/08/15