March 6, 2001

Dear Mr. Riak:

Thank you for contacting me regarding corporal punishment. It is an honor to serve you in the senate and a privilege to respond to your concerns.

I appreciate your taking the time to alert me to some of the alarming statistics on corporal punishment. As a Senator and a father of three young sons, I believe that one of the most important measures of our society is the way in which we protect and care for our children. Although we must ensure proper discipline in our schools, that discipline must be administered fairly and appropriately.

Because the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution gives the responsibility of education to the states, I would encourage you to share your thoughts and ideas for legislation banning corporal punishment in schools with your state and local representatives as well.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me. I hope that you will continue to correspond with me throughout my tenure in the senate. Please let me know whenever I may be of service.

with warm regards, I am

Sincerely,
[Signature]
Bill Frist, M.D.
United States Senator

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