Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Study: Disabled students more subject to corporal punishment

Alexandria blogger Lamar White, Jr. writes about this disturbing report from Human Rights Watch which demonstrates that disabled students are more likely than others to receive corporal punishment in schools.

White's revulsion at the report is understandable. He describes himself as "a disabled American," and his blog advocates passionately and effectively for his community. But the report should also shock anyone who believes, as White does, that it is "ridiculous and cruel" to lay hands on disabled children.

The report notes that the southern states have the worst record of physically abusing disabled students. In Louisiana, for example, 2.4% of students with recognized disabilities receive corporal punishment, as opposed to just 1.7% of all students.

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