Oklahoma lawmakers have rejected a bill that would have banned corporal punishment for kids with disabilities in schools. Rep. Jim Olsen (R) cites Proverbs in rejecting the ban: “The rod and reproof give wisdom. But a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.”

Oklahoma State Rep. Jim Olsen (R): “I had a constituent that called me … He was upset because he had a special needs child, and what he told me was that this child did not respond to positive motivation, but that she responded very well to corporal punishment.”

HB 1028 failed, 45-43, in the Oklahoma House today. It would’ve prohibited school personnel from using corporal punishment on "any student identified with a disability."

Oklahoma Rep. Randy Randleman (R) argues against banning corporal punishment for students with disabilities: “A child could have dyslexia, and then you couldn’t spank him, correct? … I would never spank an emotional problem, I would never spank a neurological problem, but …”

Oklahoma State Rep. Randleman (R) is certified as a teacher, counselor, principal, psychometrist, and school psychologist. The first line of his bio: “Dr. Randy Randleman has a passion for children — his children, your children, Oklahoma’s children.”

"My mother used chopsticks to slap my back ... She pulled my hair so I would listen to her." — Oklahoma House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson (D) shares her personal experience with childhood abuse while arguing for banning corporal punishment for students with disabilities

Oklahoma House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson (D) to supporters of corporal punishment for disabled students: “Be prepared to pay some expensive bills … ’cause you keep traumatizing them … and they may make some choices that don’t put them in a good place — maybe incarceration.”

I don't understand why Bible verses are allowed to be used as evidence in a government matter, especially when they directly go against actual scientific studies and research.

In junior high, I was paddled by the principal for some offense I can't remember. I remember thinking, as it was happening, that the whole ritual was a sad joke. I felt embarrassed for the principal. It didn't teach wisdom. It taught me contempt for the school and the district.

For all the talk about ‘you wouldn’t want to live unde sharia law’ people in America go on about, you sure do live in a fundamentalist religious country.