On June 5, 2011 while returning from the conference, Global Summit on Ending Corporal Punishment and Promoting Positive Discipline Convention, Nadine Block was stopped by TSA security, because she had a wooden paddle used to paddle schoolchildren. TSA refused to allow the paddle in her luggage, calling it a “potential weapon.” TSA was so concerned about the school paddle, that they would not allow Ms. Block to store it in her suitcase, so she was forced to leave it behind in Texas. “I gave TSA the conference bulletin and told them that almost 50,000 kids are hit every year in Texas so they need to let the legislature know it is a weapon,” said Nadine Block.
Apparently, teachers are allowed to have a weapon in Texas schools. In fact, 19 States still allow the practice of paddling school children, despite the scientific research that shows corporal punishment interferes with learning, increases aggression in children, and contributes to school bullying and violence. "Just goes to show you that the paddle is a weapon. We need to remember that when we hit children, the damage that can be done to the physical body," says Representative Alma Allen.
The Texas Legislature approved HB 359 giving parents the choice of whether or not a school can administer corporal punishment to their children. State Representative Barbara Nash (R) worked closely with her desk-mate and author of the bill, Rep. Alma Allen (D), to craft the bill. At the present time, HB 359 is on Governor Rick Perry's desk ready for him to sign into law. Governors are given 20 days for signing a bill into law, so HB 359 must be signed by June 14, 2011.
The Global Summit on Ending Corporal Punishment and Promoting Positive Discipline with major sponsorship from Southern Methodist University, was held at the Fairmont Dallas Hotel in Dallas, Texas June 2-4, 2011. Researchers, educators and child development experts discussed the hundreds of studies of corporal punishment as well as some new studies. These studies show corporal punishment produces no lasting positive outcomes and has been closely linked to increased aggression, as well as behavior and mental health problems, lower IQ and academic performance, and increased bullying in schools.
Nadine Block received an award for leadership in child advocacy at the Dallas Conference. She is Board Director for National Child Protection Training Center, and is also founder of the Center for Effective Discipline. Nadine Block has worked as a teacher, school psychologist, and consultant to mental health and child abuse prevention organizations. She was a governmental liaison for the Ohio School Psychologists Association for thirteen years and served as a regional director and legislative chair for the National Association of School Psychologists.
For more information, please contact: Nadine Block, (614) 824-2284, nblock1@columbus.rr.com and Rep. Alma Allen, District 131 at (512) 463-0744
