NEWS RELEASE, From The Hitting Stops Here! and Parents and Teachers Against Violence in Education, August 17, 2008

"The Hitting Stops Here! Campaign" has launched a month-long advocacy campaign in Robeson County, North Carolina. The goal of the campaign is to have corporal punishment banned in this school district by the first day of school, August 25, 2008, and have a plan in place to implement county-wide Positive Discipline models designed by Dr. Jane Nelsen.

Despite the fact that over 1000 parents have signed a petition asking the Robeson County Board of Education to stop the use of corporal punishment, no action to date has been taken. Advocates and parents have asked for an ad hoc committee to be formed to study the issues surrounding the use of corporal punishment, but the district has not responded to this request. Unfortunately, some parents have felt that in order to protect their children from child abuse at the hands of educators, they are forced to boycott this school district if the systemic beating of school children is not halted by the beginning of the school year.

A meeting to address banning corporal punishment in Robeson County Schools has been scheduled for Wednesday, August 20, 2008, at 3:15 PM at the Robeson County School District office, Lumberton, North Carolina.

Public Schools of Robeson County
410 Caton Road
Lumberton, NC 28358

Telephone: 910.671.6000
Fax: 910.671.6024
Dr. Johnny Hunt, Superintendent
huntj.psrc@robeson.k12.nc.us

Superintendent Johnny Hunt has invited all members of the District Executive Cabinet and Board of Education members to meet with members of "The Hitting Stops Here" campaign. This group will be represented by founder, Paula Flowe, and joined by supporters, to include parents, students, and state and national advocates. For further information contact:

Paula Flowe: 408-250-5997
Peggy Dean: 704-844-9354

Sincerely,

Peggy Dean, RN
Member, Board of Directors, PTAVE
Parents and Teachers Against Violence in Education
www.nospank.net

Campaign to End Corporal Punishment in North Carolina Schools
www.nospank.net/bancp-nc.htm

The Hitting Stops Here Campaign
www.thehittingstopshere.com



Return to Front page