The Reverend Dr. Thomas E. Sagendorf
1580 Lane 201, Bull Lake, Hamilton, IN 46742
Telephone (260) 488-3995
Email: tjs64@locl.net

TO: Public School Board Members in Paddling Districts
FROM: The Rev. Thomas E. Sagendorf
DATE: January 10, 2009

The practice of paddling is outlawed in 29 states and throughout the entire
civilized world. It is outdated and totally ineffective. School boards are, in
fact, promoting a blatantly sadistic form of punishment. While there’s a new
focus on the problem of bullying in public schools and increased public
concern about child abuse, school districts that embrace this kind of child
abuse as a form of “discipline” are totally at odds with current
developments.

Paddling in public and private schools is little more than institutional
terrorism. It has nothing to do with good discipline or quality education. It
creates an atmosphere of fear and dread. Thousands of reputable school
systems get along well without it. Paddling simply provides a convenient
haven for administrators and teachers who are incompetent, violent, brutal,
vindictive and sometimes emotionally ill.

The result of paddling is not better behavior but anger, resentment and an
inclination toward anti-social behavior. Hence, paddling not only is a
violation of a student’s body but also a violation of his or her mental health.
The practice reinforces an understanding that the ultimate solution to human
problems is violence.

In my judgment, those who paddle kids pose a risk to them that is little
different from that of sexual abuse and illicit drugs.

Paddling in schools is despicable and cowardly. School systems that
condone this practice are a disgrace to public education.