Trump Appointee Calls for Corporal Punishment in Schools NOW
URGENT UPDATE: A former NFL star and Trump appointee is igniting controversy by demanding the return of corporal punishment in schools to combat crime. Jack Brewer, nominated by President Donald Trump to lead a federal commission, claims that schools must reinstate paddling to address the “terror” young criminals pose on American streets.
In a heated appearance on Fox News’ Jesse Watters Primetime, Brewer stated, “Schools have to start back disciplining kids. They took the paddle out of the school and everything collapsed. We got to get the paddle back.” His remarks come on the heels of President Trump’s announcement to deploy the National Guard in Washington, D.C., amid rising crime rates.
Why This Matters: With 17 states still allowing corporal punishment in public schools as of 2024, Brewer’s call to action resonates with a segment of society seeking stricter disciplinary measures. The National Education Association highlights that Black students face corporal punishment at four times the rate of their white counterparts, raising significant concerns about equity in school discipline.
Brewer, who previously captained the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants, expressed his views on the impact of crime during his segment, referring to “knucklehead kids” who engage in violent behavior. He asserted that in states like Florida, individuals are more prone to defend themselves, stating, “If you carjack me, I’m liable to shoot you no matter what your age is.”
His comments extend beyond discipline; Brewer advocates for a “religious reboot” in education, arguing that a lack of spiritual guidance contributes to societal violence. “We got to get the fear of God back into the children of America,” he declared, emphasizing that many young Black boys, like his own son, grow up without a father figure.
Brewer has a history of such controversial statements, having previously called for both paddling and prayer in schools to combat gun violence. His remarks have sparked discussions on social media, with many weighing in on the implications of reinstating corporal punishment in education.
As discussions unfold, the potential reintroduction of corporal punishment raises urgent questions about the future of school discipline in America and its impact on students. The Daily Beast has reached out to the White House and the Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys for further comment on Brewer’s provocative statements.
Next Steps: As public opinion continues to form around Brewer’s remarks, schools, policymakers, and communities must consider the implications of such measures and the historical context of discipline in educational settings. The debate over the balance between discipline and human rights in schools is likely to intensify in the coming days.
Stay tuned for further developments on this evolving story.
