I think it is a great idea to try & force the local school district to change policies. However, I really think this needs to go all the way up the food chain to the State level to make a truly effective change.
Does anyone know if there are other states that still allow this? Peggy, I'm SURE you have the answer to this one.
Just another thougth. Have you and all the other parents flooded the BOE and Super with emails, form letters? Not once or twice - a continual everyday one. Maybe if they are hit with it on a daily basis something might happen?
Though not a corporal punishment issue - we had to do the same thing when the Super of our area banned ALL flyers (including PTO/PTA flyers) going home in backpacks. The overwhelming response forced him and the board into an emergency vote where they made the necessary changes.
<font size=""2"">If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain - Maya Angelou</font><br />
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<br>Life is an adventure - Seize each moment and make it your own!
Peg- present this in the light of "teacher bullies" or "adult bullies" for the Oprah/Dr. Phil sites. Have you tried 20/20 with John Stossel (sp?). He's usually a HUGE advocate of kids - it might help.
Maybe if its also presented as a "bullying" issue it might spark their interest.
My heart and admiration go out to you - you are David taking on Golith!
<font size=""2"">If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain - Maya Angelou</font><br />
<br><br />
<br>Life is an adventure - Seize each moment and make it your own!
To answer your last question, I have had a fair amount of local support. Parents addressed the board of education, have written letters to the editor, etc.
I would love to share links to a petition web site that I have up and running, what are the guidelines for doing so? I don't wish to violate rules.
Lucella,
I like you already, thanks for your support! You are like me, determined to find a way to make this topic come out on a national level.
I emailed Oprah a total of four times. I appealed to her in several ways. The movie "The Color Purple" was actually filmed in Union County, NC, and I pointed that out. I gave her statistical data on the act of corporal punishment having its roots in slavery, and the fact that it is used disporportionately on minority children.
I sent links to photos of actual injuries, of children that I am helping. I have flown to various states as a volunteer to address boards of education when children are injured by corporal punishment, and parents share photos with me, and allow me to share them with the media.
I feel as though we are just one story away from this really breaking. I do wish Oprah or Dr. Phil would take this on.
Peggy-
I'm not sure what you've sent to Oprah, but I was just on her site & there is a section to submit your show ideas/be on the show. Right now some of the topics right now are "Calling All Women Around the World!", "Is Your Child Being Tormented by a Bully?", "Calling All Moms -- We Want to Hear from You!", and "We want your show ideas!" There is also a link to talk to the editors of "O" Magazine. Sorry if I'm redundant, I just really believe that this story needs to be told on a national level. I really applaud you for taking this on. What kind do other parents in your area feel about this? Have you had a lot of support & like concern?
