This is a ridiculous story, but a very real and complicated issue.
I moved from Kansas to New York when I was eleven. On one occasion in high school in New York the subject of corporal punishment was brought up. People were incredulous that it was legal in schools in most of the country, which isn't to say that some weren't hit at home. They didn't even believe it.
Personally I think that parents have the right to discipline as they wish so long as the child isn't injured, but I don't think that should extend to schools.
Explains why the country has been going to hell in a handbasket at least since you were eleven.
Respectfully disagree as long as it is done properly within given parameters.