May 29, 2025

Henryetta Free Lance
Login Subscribe Advertisers
Google Play App Store
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinion
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinion
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
Corporal punishment to be studied by House of Representatives
Columns & Opinion
October 16, 2024
Corporal punishment to be studied by House of Representatives

The season for legislative interim studies is quickly coming to an end. I would like to thank those lawmakers who have dedicated time and effort to ensuring that the studies which the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) requested were handled superbly. Each of the studies which we followed involving children were enlightening and others we were an active part in, I felt, were useful for policymakers.

The season for legislative interim studies is quickly coming to an end. I would like to thank those lawmakers who have dedicated time and effort to ensuring that the studies which the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) requested were handled superbly. Each of the studies which we followed involving children were enlightening and others we were an active part in, I felt, were useful for policymakers.

OICA is deeply concerned though about one upcoming study, and we want to encourage Oklahomans to pay close attention to the conversation. Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, was granted a study entitled “The Effectiveness of Properly Administered Corporal Punishment.” This study will be heard before the House Rules Committee on Monday, Oct 21.

The study is in no doubt a response to the efforts over the past two sessions to end the practice of corporal punishment on disabled students in Oklahoma schools, a measure OICA strongly supported. Olson was one of the most outspoken opponents of this effort to prevent government employees from hitting disabled children, some of whom might not even understanding for what they are being punished. Our OETA conversation on this topic can be found at https://www.youtube. com/watch?app=desktop&v=EIHt1rr4wl0 on YouTube.

Olson is clearly on the opposite side of this issue from OICA and many other child advocates. His study description outlines that he will have the testimonies of two or three superintendents, two child psychologists, one opposing view, testimony of a homeschooling father, and a brief look at the Scriptures. Despite one opposing view on the agenda, the title of the study presents its forgone conclusion: inflicting violence upon children is an encouraged means of discipline.

Under Oklahoma law, “Corporal punishment” means, as defined in 70 O.S. § 13-116, the deliberate infliction of physical pain by hitting, paddling, spanking, slapping, or any other physical force used as a means of discipline.

It is estimated that about 130 rural schools across the state still administer corporal punishment to students, usually, but not always, with the permission of a parent or guardian, with just over 60 of those districts still using corporal punishment on children classified in some special needs category, including severe cases.

I know one aspect, the belief that this is allowed under scripture, will likely be frustrating for me to hear. Representative Olsen and I strongly disagree about whether the Bible condones the topic, as was highlighted in our OETA conversation.

Bishop James Nunn, recently retired from the Oklahoma United Methodist Conference, sums up my views of this topic here: https://www.oklahoman. com/story/opinion/columns/2024/05/03/ opinion-united-methodists-do-not-condone-corporal- punishment-bishop-says/73517371007/. The bottom line: using violence to discipline children is not Biblical.

I would encourage you to either attend or listen to the study and reach out to your own state senator and representative with your views on the topic. All interim studies are open to the public to attend, along with members of the press who wish to cover the topic. The meeting will be streamed over the internet at https://former.okhouse.gov/ Video/Default.aspx should you want to watch but are unable to attend. Select the study by the Rules Committee.

For those wishing to attend in person, the study will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in room 206 of the Oklahoma State Capitol at 2300 N. Lincoln Boulevard in Oklahoma City. Public parking is in the large lot south of the Capitol building.

If this topic is submitted as legislation again next year, OICA will keep you informed, and will again support any measure to end the practice of corporal punishment on disabled students in school.

About OICA: The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy was established in 1983 by a group of citizens seeking to create a strong advocacy network that would provide a voice for the needs of children and youth in Oklahoma, particularly those in the state’s care and those growing up amid poverty, violence, abuse and neglect, disparities, or other situations that put their lives and future at risk. Our mission statement: “Creating awareness, taking action and changing policy to improve the health, safety, and well-being of Oklahoma’s children.”

Roy Madden Rodeo nears
A: Main
Roy Madden Rodeo nears
May 28, 2025
The Henryetta Chamber of Commerce is saddling up for an exciting weekend of western tradition as it hosts the Roy Madden Spring Round-Up Open Rodeo on June 6 and 7, starting nightly at 8 p.m. at the J...
this is a test
Knight Brigade marches into history
A: Main, Main...
Knight Brigade marches into history
May 28, 2025
With the beat of a drum and a proud salute, the Henryetta High School Knight Brigade brought hometown pride to the national stage during the 2025 National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. The j...
this is a test
Henryetta Graduates Class of 2025
A: Main
Henryetta Graduates Class of 2025
May 28, 2025
The Henryetta community celebrated its graduating seniors Friday as the Class of 2025 held its commencement ceremony. Congratulations to all the students and their families, who are looking to the fut...
this is a test
A: Main
Congratulations Class of 2025!
May 28, 2025
Henryetta Community,It was an honor to attend, and be a part of, the recent Senior Awards Assembly, Athletic Banquet, Baccalaureate, High School Graduation and many other end of school events. Each ev...
this is a test
A: Main
DHS welcomes new principal
May 28, 2025
Dewar Public Schools is proud to welcome Dirk Walden as the new High School Principal and Head Boys Basketball Coach, bringing with him nearly three decades of experience and a strong reputation for e...
this is a test
News
Lions Club to host officer installation luncheon
May 28, 2025
Henryetta Lions Club will hold its annual officer installation luncheon on Thursday, June 5, from 12-1 p.m. at The Shack 2.0. The front of the restaurant will be closed to the public during the event ...
this is a test

e-Edition
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
News
OCSO to manage 911 comms
May 28, 2025
The Okmulgee County Board of Commissioners met Tuesday morning to address a full agenda ranging from utility permits and bid approvals to a proposal for a new facility in Beggs and detailed storm resp...
this is a test
News
HPL launches summer reading program
May 28, 2025
Henryetta Public Library is inviting young readers to kick off their summer with books, games and creativity through its 2025 Summer Reading Program, Color Our World.Open to all students entering 1st ...
this is a test
Gospel trio to perform concert May 31
News
Gospel trio to perform concert May 31
May 28, 2025
A unique musical experience is headed to town, and the community is warmly invited to attend.What happens when you blend a little bit of country, a touch of rockn- roll and a whole lot of heartfelt go...
this is a test
Your voice matters as Congress considers major policy changes
News
Your voice matters as Congress considers major policy changes
May 28, 2025
Prior to the Memorial Day weekend, the U.S. House of Representatives passed HR 1, commonly called the “Big, Beautiful Bill” Act. The vote of 215214 fell almost exactly on a party-line vote. The bill n...
this is a test
Storms sweep through county
News
Storms sweep through county
May 28, 2025
Okmulgee County Emergency Management Director Jeffrey Moore provided a comprehensive report Tuesday morning to the Board of County Commissioners, outlining the impacts of recent severe weather that sw...
this is a test
Facebook

HENRYETTA FREE-LANCE
208 E. Main Street
Henryetta, OK 74437

918.652.3311

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2022 Henryetta Free-Lance

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy