San Antonio-Based IDRA Pushes to End Corporal Punishment in Public Schools Nationwide
A new federal bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives could finally put an end to the long-standing practice of corporal punishment in schools—where students are still being hit, paddled, or slapped as a form of discipline.
The Protecting Our Students in Schools Act of 2025 (POSSA) would ban corporal punishment in all public schools that receive federal funding, from pre-K through 12th grade. While this may sound like a thing of the past, the data says otherwise: nearly 70,000 students were physically punished in U.S. schools during the 2017-18 school year. The harm is not evenly distributed—Black students and students with disabilities are punished at disproportionate rates.
Click the Map Below For Interactive Version
Shockingly, 20 states still allow corporal punishment in schools. That’s why national action is needed, and why the Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA)—a San Antonio-based nonprofit focused on equity in education—is calling for public support.
The bill is backed by House members Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Lucy McBath (D-GA), Gwen Moore (D-WI), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL). Advocates are urging the public to contact their congressional representatives to co-sponsor the legislation and support a Senate version as well.
“No child should be afraid of being physically harmed at school—especially not by the adults responsible for their safety,” said IDRA. “It’s time to stop this violence once and for all.”
Find your members of Congress and take action HERE.
Learn more and access IDRA resources:
• Key Facts on POSSA – Why Federal Action Is Urgent
• IDRA’s Interactive Map: Corporal Punishment by State
• Article: “The Ever-Present History of Violence in U.S. Schools”
IDRA also co-hosted a national virtual symposium on April 30, International Day to End Corporal Punishment of Children, and invites supporters to sign up for updates and join the movement to create safe, supportive, and violence-free learning environments.
