In the past school year alone, the D.C. school system recorded 214 allegations of corporal punishment, which includes using or attempting to use physical force as a means of punishment or to change a student's behavior. Administering such punishment would violate school regulations and in some cases could constitute criminal assault or battery, authorities said. School officials would not immediately provide documents on corporal punishment cases, making it difficult to gauge the extent or nature of the allegations, and it is unclear how many have been substantiated. The teachers union said some cases arise when instructors defend themselves or intervene in fights between students. Students said they suffered black eyes, cuts on their faces and knots on their heads.
Some parents say they have pulled children out of D.C. schools, fearing for their safety.
Once widely accepted in the classroom, corporal punishment is now banned in public schools in the District and 27 states, including Maryland and Virginia. The definition of corporal punishment differs from one school system to another, making comparisons difficult. Several school districts in the Washington suburbs said that there were only a handful of cases during the past school year. In a number of instances, District school officials have failed to promptly notify police or child protective services and provide details to facilitate an inquiry. The U.S. attorney's office and child welfare advocates say such reports are required by child abuse laws.