The use of corporal punishment is prohibited in Seattle Public Schools. Corporal punishment is defined as any act that willfully inflicts or willfully causes the infliction of physical pain on a student.

Corporal punishment does not include:

• The use of reasonable physical force by an administrator, teacher, other school employee, or volunteer as necessary to maintain order to prevent a student from harming themself, other students, school staff, other persons, or property;
• Physical pain or discomfort resulting from or caused by training for or participation in athletic competition or recreational activity voluntarily engaged in by a student; or
• Physical exertion shared by all students in a teacher directed class activity, which may include, but is not limited to, physical education exercises, field trips, or vocational education projects.

Superintendent Procedure:

Policy Cross References:

• 3240 – Student Behavior and Disciplinary Responses
• 3246 – Restraint, Isolation and Other Uses of Physical Crisis Intervention

Previous Policies:

Legal References:

• RCW 28A.150.300 Corporal punishment prohibited — Adoption of policy.
• WAC 392-400-825 Corporal punishment, restraint, and isolation.

Management Resources:

Last Board Review:

Revisions:

• April 7, 2025 (Administrative Update per Policy No. 1310)
• September 5, 2018

Adopted by the Board:

• December 7, 2011