Student Discipline Washington County School District - Adopted 12-11-84; Revised 10-13-92
To implement state law regarding Corporal Punishment of students in the schools.
2.1. A school employee may not inflict or cause the infliction of corporal punishment upon a child who is receiving services from the school. (09/13/92)2.2. This policy does not prohibit the use of reasonable and necessary physical restraint or force in self defense or otherwise appropriate to the circumstances to:
2.2.1. Obtain possession of a weapon or other dangerous object in the possession or under the control of a child.2.2.2. Protect the child or another person from physical injury.
2.2.3. Remove from a situation a child who is violent or disruptive.
2.2.4. Protect property from being damaged.
3.1. Definition:"Corporal punishment" means the intentional infliction of physical pain upon the body of a minor child as a disciplinary measure.
3.2. Investigation of complaint - Confidentiality - Immunity.
3.2.1. The reporting and investigation requirements of Part 5, Chapter 4, Title 62A, Child Abuse Reporting, apply to complaints on corporal punishment.3.2.2. If a violation is confirmed, school authorities shall take prompt and appropriate action, including inservice training and other administrative action to ensure against a repetition of the violation.
3.2.3. Reports made on violations of this policy are subject to the same requirements of confidentiality as provided under Section 62A-4-513.
3.2.4. Any school or individual who in good faith makes a report or cooperates in an investigation by a school or authorized public agency concerning a violation of this part is immune from any civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result by reason of those actions.
3.2.5. Corporal punishment which would, but for this part, be considered to be reasonable discipline of a minor may not be used as a basis for any civil or criminal action. (House Bill 209, 1992 Legislature)
3.3. Exception: Behavior reduction interventions that are in compliance with state and local special education rules and regulations are excepted from this part as provided under Section 53A-11-705. (06/09/92)
Distribution: Board Members, Superintendent, Associations, Assistant Superintendents, Administrators and Principals.