May 13, 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.”

A: Main, Main...
Celebrating Mother’s Day
May 10, 2025
As Mother’s Day approaches, communities around the world are preparing to honor the women who have shaped our lives with their love, wisdom, and resilience. This special day, celebrated on the second ...
this is a test
VFW Post 539 partners with schools to uplift youth
A: Main
VFW Post 539 partners with schools to uplift youth
May 9, 2025
A display of patriotism, creativity and community support was on full display this spring as VFW Post 539 and its Auxiliary partnered with area schools to recognize young artists and support student o...
this is a test
A: Main
Council to hold special meeting
May 9, 2025
A special meeting of the Henryetta City Council will be held Friday at 12 noon in the Council Chambers, 115 S. 4th Street.The agenda includes a discussion and possible action on proposals by Alera Gro...
this is a test
Cool summer adventures await at Nichols Park
A: Main
Cool summer adventures await at Nichols Park
May 9, 2025
With summer around the corner, Henryetta’s Nichols Park is making waves - literally! A brand-new kayak rental option is now available for those looking to paddle into fun while staying cool on the 17-...
this is a test
Trio seeks District 8 seat in tense Senate race
A: Main, Main...
Trio seeks District 8 seat in tense Senate race
May 9, 2025
BENNETT BRINKMANNONDOCEditors Note: Early voting for the May 13 General Election is underway at the Okmulgee County Courthouse. Registered voters can cast their ballots until 6 p.m. today. On Tuesday,...
this is a test
A: Main
City-wide cleanup event underway
May 9, 2025
A city-wide cleanup is taking place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and 8-12 p.m. tomorrow. A City of Henryetta water bill will allow you to dump trash twice.The event will take place at the Public Works ...
this is a test

e-Edition
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
News
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
May 9, 2025
May 14 Fitness 4 Kids Fun & 5K Run | Preston Elementary School will hod a Fitness 4 Kids and 5K Run Wednesday, May 14, at 8:30 a.m. at the Jim Waller Sports Complex in Preston. The registration fee is...
this is a test
News
Henryetta FD responds to 100 calls in April
May 9, 2025
The Henryetta Fire Department had a busy month of emergency response activity in April, answering a total of 100 calls for service across a wide range of incident types. According to the department’s ...
this is a test
Milestones & Memories
News
Milestones & Memories
May 9, 2025
As the final school bells prepare to ring for the last time this academic year, students across Okmulgee County are trading in their backpacks for caps and gowns, ready to step into a new chapter of l...
this is a test
Funeral Preplanning Tips
News
Funeral Preplanning Tips
May 9, 2025
Planning a funeral can be an overwhelming and emotional process. However, preplanning your own funeral or that of a loved one can help alleviate stress during a difficult time. Here are some helpful t...
this is a test
News
Henryetta to host annual All Sports Banquet May 20
May 9, 2025
Henryetta High School will honor its student-athletes and coaches during the highly anticipated All Sports Banquet, set for Tuesday, May 20. The event will begin at 5 p.m. in the Henryetta High School...
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