
Episode #3
233 - Corporal Punishment, SPANKING, in American Schools
Summary: In this episode, Mark Zockoll and Matt George discuss corporal punishment in schools, using an NPR article about the states that still allow it as a springboard for a broader Christian-school conversation. They look at where the law stands, how public and private schools differ, and why this issue sits at the intersection of parenting, discipline, and institutional authority. Timestamps: 00:00 - Opening the conversation on spanking students 00:56 - Which states still allow corporal punishment in public schools 02:18 - No federal law, only state-level rules 04:12 - How private Christian schools may differ from public schools 05:03 - Why the remaining states still allow it 06:55 - Biblical framing: the rod, discipline, and abuse 08:36 - Where Christian families and schools fall on the spectrum 09:36 - Mark’s own experience with corporal punishment in Maryland 11:29 - The article’s anecdotal structure and claims about data 12:57 - The Oklahoma psychologist who supports paddling as a last resort 14:24 - Parent requests, school practice, and the article’s final examples 16:02 - Matt’s concern about public-sector norms and consequences 17:40 - Parenting, institutional standards, and the heart of the issue 18:55 - Why Mark supports school autonomy if parents knowingly opt in 21:42 - The need for legal review, procedures, and clear safeguards 22:42 - Maryland’s fight over a state handbook on corporal punishment 25:05 - Why corporal punishment cannot be treated as one-size-fits-all 26:55 - Communication and documentation when parents and schools agree 28:19 - How changing parenting norms affect school policy 31:07 - Questions for schools still using paddling 32:01 - Shout-out to Stephen Carlson of Crosspointe Christian Academy Follow Us YouTube: Christian Principals Podcast Instagram: @cprincipalspod Email: info@christianprincipalspodcast.com Website: www.christianprincipalspodcast.com X: @CPrincipalsPod LinkedIn: Christian Principals Podcast Explore the Herzog Foundation's offerings for Christian schools at www.herzogfoundation.com. Book us for your next event to bring engaging and practical conversations to your community! And be sure to level up your school experience with our partner, Gradelink Student Information Systems, at cpp.gradelink.com today! Thank you for listening and for leading with integrity in your school!






