Problem is, of course, such lessons also teach children that hitting is the appropriate way to solve problems and persuade people to cooperate. Yet no one in the adult world is allowed to use physical force this way. Employers certainly don't whip their workers into line. Even convicted felons are protected against what is deemed cruel and unusual punishment. Treating children differently implies they are less worthy of respect, less human.
Educators also expose themselves to liability if they strike the children too hard and cause injury.
There may be times when physical restraint is necessary to stop a student's violent outbursts, and the law now allows for that. But with the many non-violent ways for controlling schoolchildren, there is simply no excuse for using corporal punishment to discipline students. Utah legislators should strongly support Sen. Steele's straightforward proposal, Senate Bill 101. While they're at it, however, they would do well to get rid of another exception to the rule. Private schools, which now can use corporal punishment if they duly notify parents, have no more business inflicting pain on minors than anyone else does.