Discipline must be maintained in the city schools. Corporal punishment is permissible in the Memphis City School in cases meriting such action. Generally speaking, other means of punishment should be tried before resorting to this method of discipline. Corporal punishment may be administered by the principal, acting principal, assistant principal, or the teacher involved, provided permission is granted by and the punishment witnessed by one of the three previously mentioned administrative persons. Even though corporal punishment is administered by the principal or assistant principal, other certificated persons or adult office personnel in the employ of the Board of Education must be present. Inhuman or degrading punishment shall not be inflicted by any principal or teacher at any time. The right of self-defense is not abrogated by this regulation.