15.1-19-02. Corporal punishment - Prohibition - Consistent policies

15.1-19-02. Corporal punishment - Prohibition - Consistent policies

1. A school district employee may not inflict, cause to be inflicted, or threaten to inflict

corporal punishment on a student.

2. This section does not prohibit a school district employee from using the degree of

force necessary:

a. To quell a physical disturbance that threatens physical injury to an individual or

damage to property;

b. To quell a verbal disturbance;

c. For self-defense;

d. For the preservation of order; or

e. To obtain possession of a weapon or other dangerous object within the control of

a student.

3. For purposes of this section, corporal punishment means the willful infliction of

physical pain on a student; willfully causing the infliction of physical pain on a student;

or willfully allowing the infliction of physical pain on a student. Physical pain or

discomfort caused by athletic competition or other recreational activities voluntarily

engaged in by a student is not corporal punishment. A school board may not expand

through policy the definition of corporal punishment beyond that provided by this

subsection.

4. a. The board of each school district shall develop policies setting forth standards for

student behavior, procedures to be followed if the standards are not met, and

guidelines detailing how all incidents are to be investigated.

b. The board shall ensure that the policies, procedures, and guidelines applicable to

all elementary schools in the district are identical, that the policies, procedures,

and guidelines applicable to all middle schools in the district are identical, and

that the policies, procedures, and guidelines applicable to all high schools in the

district are identical.