Corporal Punishment

The use of the term “corporal punishment” in this regulation shall be defined as any act of physical force upon a student for the purpose of punishing that student. Corporal punishment is prohibited.

Any use of corporal punishment must be reported both verbally and in writing as soon as possible to the staff member’s immediate supervisor. Such reports must include all necessary facts leading to the use of corporal punishment as the means of correcting the problem. Any use of corporal punishment or complaint of such use must be investigated by the appropriate personnel of the district and a written report submitted to the superintendent.

 

Physical Restraint

The use of the term “physical restraint” means a personal restriction that immobilizes or reduces the ability of a student to move their arms, legs, body or head freely. It doesn’t include a physical escort or brief contact to redirect a student.

Pursuant to state regulations 8 NYCRR §19.5, physical restraint will not be used as discipline or punishment, retaliation, or as a substitute for positive, proactive intervention strategies that are designed to change, replace, modify, or eliminate a targeted behavior. Physical restraint may only be used when:

1. Other less restrictive and intrusive interventions and de-escalation techniques
   would not prevent imminent danger of serious physical harm to the student or
   others;
2. There is no known medical contraindication to its use on the student; and
3. School staff using such interventions have been trained in its safe and appropriate application, as required by state regulations.