Hundreds protest archbishop’s stand against corporal punishment at school
March 29, 2011
More than 500 students, staff, and supporters of an African-American Catholic high school in New Orleans marched on archdiocesan offices to protest Archbishop Gregory Aymond’s decision to end corporal punishment at the school.
Archbishop Aymond “is trying to fix something that's not broken, and he's going about it in the wrong way,” said St. Augustine High School student body president Jacob Washington. “It's not about the paddle, it's about the right to self-govern,” an alumnus added.
The march “is another indication of the great passion of the St. Augustine High School community for their school,” Archbishop Aymond said. “I share their passion for the school and its success; we disagree only on the issue of corporal punishment.”
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Further information:
- Hundreds march on archdiocese office to support St. Augustine paddling policy (New Orleans Times-Picayune)
- Parents, administrators angry after archbishop bans paddling in school (CWN, 3/8)
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Posted by: Bernadette -
Apr. 01, 2011 4:52 PM ET USA
Physical punishment is sometimes needed in disciplining children; I used it, and my children turned out just fine. I recall back as early as the 60s and into the 70s in the public schools where I often substituted in the Phoenix area, the paddle was often used and parents didn't object to it. One of the many problems in education today is that there is such a fear of even touching a child and being reported for abuse. I'm with St. Augustine's! Leave them alone, archbishop!
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Posted by: hartwood01 -
Mar. 30, 2011 1:58 PM ET USA
I read my reply and I realize how harsh that was,regarding the last sentence's reference to continuing abusive behavior. I should have omitted that last comment. I apologize, I know these are kind and loving parents who want the best for their children.
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Posted by: hartwood01 -
Mar. 29, 2011 10:51 PM ET USA
Nice message for students: "Never mind the Archbishop,we do what we want without any interference". Good luck parents, how you can see anything loving in slapping a child is beyond me. But I guess if you were beaten,you would,of course continue that abusive behavior.
