503.05 – Corporal Punishment

Corporal punishment is defined as the intentional physical punishment of a student and is prohibited. It includes the use of unreasonable or unnecessary physical force or physical contact made with the intent to harm or cause pain. No employee is prohibited from:

  • Using reasonable and necessary force, not designed or intended to cause pain, in order to accomplish any of the following:
    • To quell a disturbance or prevent an act that threatens physical harm to any person.  To obtain possession of a weapon or other dangerous object within a pupil’s control.
    • For the purposes of self-defense or defense of others as provided for in Iowa Code section 704.3.
    • For the protection of property as provided for in Iowa Code section 704.4 or 704.5.
    • To remove a disruptive pupil from class or any area of District premises or from District-sponsored activities off District premises.
    • To protect a student from the self-infliction of harm.  To protect the safety of others.
    • Using incidental, minor, or reasonable physical contact to maintain order and control.

Reasonable physical force should be commensurate with the circumstances of the situation. The following factors should be considered in using reasonable physical force for the reasons stated in this policy:

  • The size and physical, mental, and psychological condition of the student;
  • The nature of the student’s behavior or misconduct provoking the use of physical force;
  • The instrumentality used in applying the physical force;
  • The extent and nature of the resulting injury to the student, if any;
  • The motivation of the school employee using physical force.

In cases of physical force, the student’s parents/guardians will be informed. It is the responsibility of the Superintendent/designee to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

Legal Reference: Ingraham v. Wright, 430 U.S. 651 (1977).; Goss v. Lopez, 419 US. 565 (1975).; Tinkham v. Kole, 252 Iowa 1303, 110 N.W.2d 258 (1961).; Lai v. Erickson, PTPC Admin. Doc. 83-12 (1983). Iowa Code 279.8; 280.21 (2007).; 281 1.A.C. 12.3(6),• 103.; 1980 op. Att’y Gen. 275.

Date of Adoption: September 3, 1991

Reviewed & Revised: October 2, 1995; January 27, 2003; January 21, 2008; February 16, 2015; March 15, 2019