Research & Publications

Students with disabilities face corporal punishment in public schools at disproportionately high rates according to a new report by the ACLU and Human Rights Watch. Corporal punishment — ranging from paddling to smacking to throwing children into walls — can worsen these students’ medical conditions and undermine their education. Students with disabilities are entitled to appropriate, inclusive educational programs that give them the opportunity to thrive. No child should be hit, especially the most vulnerable.

Map: The use of corporal punishment on children with disabilities >>

Corporal punishment causes pain, humiliation, and in some cases deep bruising or other serious injury; it also can have long-lasting psychological consequences. Students with disabilities may see their underlying conditions worsened as a result. Furthermore, it creates a violent, degrading school environment in which all students – and particularly students with disabilities — may struggle to succeed. The American Civil Liberties Union and Human Rights Watch call on the federal government and US states to prohibit corporal punishment. School districts should replace corporal punishment with effective, positive forms of discipline, so that children’s human rights are protected, and so that every student throughout the United States can maximize his or her academic potential.

Author: Alice Farmer (@ahsfarmer)

Press Coverage: The New York Times | CNN | BET | Reuters | The Wall Street Journal | USA Today | USA Today

Articles/Blogs Written By Author: “Stop Beating Students with Disabilities in Schools” – The Huffington Post | “Stop Beating Students with Disabilities in Schools” – ACLU | “Ohio Bans Corporal Punishment” – ACLU | “Stop Beating Children in Schools” – ACLU | “End Abusive, Discriminatory Discipline in Schools: Give All Students a Chance to Thrive” – ACLU | “Corporal punishment proves to be discriminatory, ineffective” – Human Rights Watch

Related Advocacy/Litigation:Ten Steps Against Corporal Punishment | Advocacy Letter: Ohio | Testimony: Dennis D. Parker – Before the United Nations Forum on Minority Issues Minorities and the Right to Education (12/15/2008)| Students with Disabilities Face Corporal Punishment at Higher Rates

CLICK HERE TO READ THE PRESS RELEASE

CLICK HERE FOR MORE RESOURCES ON CORPORAL PUNISHMENT OF CHILDREN IN THE U.S.

This report documents the effect of U.S. government actions on American Muslims’ exercise of their right to profess and practice their religion through charitable giving. The ACLU’s research shows that U.S. terrorism financing policies and practices are seriously undermining American Muslims’ protected constitutional liberties and violating their fundamental human rights to freedom of religion, freedom of association, and freedom from discrimination.

The ACLU found that these policies and practices are neither fair nor effective, and are undermining American values of due process and fairness. This report outlines clear measures the Obama administration and Congress should take to ensure American Muslims can exercise their religion while protecting charities from mistaken targeting and abuse, and simultaneously promoting national security and humanitarian aid.