Federal Bill Bans Corporal Punishment in Schools, Funds Transition to Positive Discipline Models

The “Protecting our Students in Schools Act of 2025” is a major overhaul of school discipline, effectively banning physical punishment—that’s hitting, spanking, or paddling—in every school that takes federal money. This isn’t just a strongly worded suggestion; it’s a hard stop. The bill, outlined in Title I, makes it illegal for any program personnel, including teachers, staff, or even contracted security guards, to use corporal punishment as a disciplinary measure. If this rule is broken, the student or parent can file a civil lawsuit against the program to recover damages and legal fees (Sec. 101).

The End of the Paddle: New Legal Muscle

For parents, this bill creates a direct legal path to hold schools accountable. If your kid is subjected to physical discipline, you can sue the school directly. Beyond individual lawsuits, the Attorney General can also step in and sue the program on behalf of the U.S. if they receive a credible complaint and the school fails to fix the issue within a “reasonable amount of time” (Sec. 102). This dual enforcement mechanism gives the ban real teeth. Furthermore, if an incident occurs, the school must notify the parents, the State Education Agency, and local law enforcement in writing within 24 hours. For students with disabilities, the relevant Protection and Advocacy system must also be notified, giving them the legal authority to investigate the incident (Sec. 104).

Trading Suspensions for Solutions

The bill is smart because it doesn’t just ban the bad stuff; it funds the good stuff. Title II establishes a grant program designed to help states and local districts transition from harsh, exclusionary discipline (like suspensions and expulsions) to Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Think of PBIS as teaching kids the right way to behave, rather than just punishing them for the wrong way. The goal is to create a better school culture overall (Sec. 202).

States that win these three-year grants must show they are reducing harsh discipline, school-related arrests, or law enforcement referrals to get renewal funding. Critically, this data must be broken down by race, gender, and disability status. This ensures that districts aren't just lowering overall suspension rates but are also addressing the disproportionate discipline rates that often affect students of color and students with disabilities. If your local school district is struggling with high suspension rates, this grant money could be the key to funding the training and staff needed to implement real change (Sec. 202).

What About the Fine Print?

This legislation is very clear about who is not affected. If you run a private school that doesn’t take any federal money, this law doesn't apply to you. Similarly, parents who homeschool their children are explicitly excluded from the definition of “program personnel,” meaning the federal government won't be regulating discipline in your kitchen classroom (Sec. 304).

However, the bill does give the Secretary of Education significant power to enforce compliance. If a state or local education agency fails to meet the reporting requirements or enforce the ban, the Secretary can withhold federal funding (Sec. 201). While this leverage is necessary for enforcement, it is a broad power that could be used against states that drag their feet on implementation. The bill also requires the Secretary to use “negotiated rulemaking” to finalize the regulations, meaning stakeholders will hash out the exact rules—a process that could delay implementation if negotiations get bogged down (Sec. 301).

Overall, this bill is a major step toward making schools safer and more equitable by eliminating physical violence and providing financial support for proven, positive alternatives. It sets a clear national standard and gives parents and the federal government the tools to ensure that standard is met.