Teacher Diversity and Skills Test : Paddling Vandals
I am shocked that a California legislative committee has passed a bill to allow judges to order paddling for convicted teen graffiti artists (Jan. 10).
Hitting young people with boards is a barbaric and cruel way to deal with minor crime. It will be counterproductive in that adults will be teaching young people to solve their problems with violence. Instead we need to teach our children that we can solve problems without violence. If this wrongheaded bill passes, you will be promoting child abuse, spousal abuse and violence.
California was smart to abolish school paddling but now appears to be taking a step backward toward archaic brutality.
JIMMY DUNNE
People Opposed to Paddling Students
Houston, Texas
* If the graffiti-paddling bill becomes law, public wallopings should be a cable television channel. Think of the ratings (and advertising revenue).
DAVID REID
West Hollywood
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