What do the N.C. Association of Educators, N.C. PTA, N.C. NAACP, Action for Children NC, N.C. Council of Churches, National Association of Social Workers NC, N.C. School Psychology Association, N.C. Nurses Association, Prevent Child Abuse NC, Carolina Legal Assistance and the Council for Children have in common? They all supported HB 853 to abolish corporal punishment in schools.

What do the N.C. School Boards Association and the N.C. Family Policy Council have in common? They wish to see the archaic use of corporal punishment continue to be used in our schools on children as young as kindergarten. It's a local decision you know.

Fortunately, the House voted to adopt an anti-bullying bill. Unfortunately, teachers and principals can continue to bully kids, as the House voted 66 to 50 to reject a ban on corporal punishment. How sad, as there are many more effective methods to alter behavior than the use of a paddle to punish.

Let's hope North Carolina's child advocates have better luck next time.

Gary Shaffer
Chapel Hill