5131.92

Students

Reasonable Physical Force/Corporal Punishment

The Board of Education believes that maintaining an orderly, safe environment is conducive to learning and is an appropriate expectation of all staff members within the district. To the extent that staff actions comply with all applicable statutes and Board policy governing the use of physical force, including physical restraint of students, staff members will have the full support of the Board of Education in their efforts to maintain a safe environment.

Physical force may not be used as a disciplinary measure. However, reasonable physical force may be used to the extent that a teacher or other person entrusted with the care and supervision of a minor for school purposes reasonably believes it necessary to: protect him/herself or others from immediate physical injury, obtain possession of a dangerous instrument or controlled substance, upon or within the control of such student, protect property from physical damage, and/or restrain student or remove student to another area to maintain order.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statues

10-233a through 10-233f. Suspension, removal and expulsion of students, as amended by PA 95-304 and PA 96-244.

53a-3 Definitions.

53a-18 Use of Reasonable Force

53a-217b Possession of Firearms and Deadly Weapons on School Grounds.

PA 94-221 An Act Concerning School Discipline and Security.

GOALS 2000: Educate America Act, Pub. L. 103-227.

18 U.S.C. 921 Definitions.

Title I - Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Act. (PL 105-17)

Sec. 314 (Local Control Over Violence)

Elementary and Secondary Schools Act of 1965, as amended by the Gun Free Schools Act of 1994

Policy adopted: March 9, 2004 EAST HADDAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Moodus, Connecticut