Reps. Jim Olsen, RRoland, and Randy Randleman, R-Eufaula, released a statement in reaction to an interim study regarding the use of corporal punishment against students with disabilities in Oklahoma public schools.

“We observed an interim study that contained much information to support the elimination of corporal punishment in Oklahoma schools, but we were disappointed to see that it was rather one-sided without an opportunity for anybody with opposing viewpoints to present.”

Randleman, a school psychologist, pointed to evidence reviewed by Dr. Robert Larzelere of Oklahoma State University looking at three common alternatives to corporal punishment. Corporal punishment was found to be more effective than two alternatives and roughly equal in effectiveness to the other alternative.

Olsen pointed to numerous passages in the Bible he said clearly endorsed corporal punishment as a part of proper child training, including Hebrews 12:11, which states, “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterword it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”

“It’s best to take God at His Word and do things His way,” Olsen said. “When we do, things turn out much better.”