A Republican senator from Oklahoma is facing widespread backlash after strongly opposing a bill that would prohibit the corporal punishment of disabled children in schools. State Senator Shane Jett (R-Shawnee) argued against Senate Bill 364, claiming that banning the practice contradicts scripture and constitutes a form of socialist overreach.
During a debate on Tuesday, Jett took issue with the bill, which aims to expand protections for disabled students by ensuring that corporal punishment (already restricted for those with severe cognitive disabilities) is completely banned. The bill ultimately passed in a 31-16 vote, but not without Jett’s vocal opposition.
Calling the measure a “top-down socialist aligned ideological, unilateral divorce” from parents’ ability to collaborate with schools on discipline, Jett cited Proverbs 22:15 as justification. “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him,” he read aloud, arguing that scripture supports physical punishment for all children, disabled or not.
Jett’s comments have drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers, educators, and the public. Opponents argue that hitting disabled children is not only cruel but also ineffective as a form of discipline. Senator Dave Rader (R-Tulsa), the bill’s author, pushed back against Jett’s biblical reasoning, saying:
“Not all discipline needs to be one-way, and to deal with special needs takes special discipline.”
Following the debate, a clip of Jett’s remarks went viral on Reddit, where users mocked and condemned his stance with a mix of frustration, dark humor, and disbelief. One user sarcastically asked, “Fellas, is it socialist to treat disabled children with decency?”, a sentiment that quickly gained thousands of upvotes. Here are some of my other favorites:
- “Not beating kids is woke.”
- “WHO GIVES A F* ABOUT SCRIPTURE! You work for the U.S. government. The Constitution is your guiding document.”**
- “If we’re bringing the Bible into this, let’s talk about all the times Jesus advocated for hitting children. Oh wait, that never happened.”
- “Thou shalt whip thy kids from time to time.”
Some users took the argument a step further, suggesting that if corporal punishment is so effective, it should apply to lawmakers as well:
“I’m willing to bet a certain Oklahoma senator would be clutching his pearls if someone proposed a law putting corporal punishment on the table for underperforming representatives.”
While many comments were humorous or sarcastic, the overwhelming sentiment was outrage—with people questioning why any lawmaker would fight to keep the ability to hit disabled children rather than protect them.
Corporal punishment remains legal in 17 U.S. states and is actively practiced in 14, including Oklahoma. While some states have gradually moved away from the practice, others have continued to defend it: particularly in conservative-leaning areas.
Prior to this bill, Oklahoma law only banned corporal punishment for students with the most severe cognitive disabilities, leaving other disabled students vulnerable. Even with the passage of Senate Bill 364, corporal punishment remains legal for students without disabilities in the state.
The controversy surrounding Jett’s remarks has reignited debates over the role of corporal punishment in modern education. Studies have repeatedly shown that physical discipline in schools can lead to higher levels of anxiety, aggression, and long-term psychological harm. These are outcomes that are particularly concerning for children with disabilities.
