The application of corporal punishment in public schools is regulated at the state level, along with other education-related policies. Some states do not address the issue through statute but rely on court precedents. Illinois corporal punishment laws ban the practice altogether, unless physical force is necessary for self-defense or the protection of other students or school personnel.
Learn the basics of Illinois corporal punishment laws in the table below. See FindLaw's School Discipline section for more information.
| Code Section | 105 ILCS 5/24-24 |
| Punishment Allowed | No corporal punishment |
| Circumstances Allowable | Physical force may be used only in the defense or safety of other students and personnel |
Note: State laws are constantly changing -- contact an Illinois education attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Illinois Regional Safe School Program
There are other measures in place in Illinois to deal with punishment, suspension and rehabilitation of disruptive students. The Illinois Regional Safe School Program (RSSP) serves expulsion-eligible and suspension-eligible students in grades 6-12. The statewide program serves Illinois students under 105 ILCS 5/13A of the Illinois School Code. It provides a system of alternative education programs for disruptive students.
Because of the actions of a small number of disruptive students, local school districts face increasing problems in maintaining a safe environment for all students. Expelling or suspending disruptive students puts them on the street, which may increase safety and advance the learning environment inside the school premises, but does not serve the educational needs of the expelled or suspended students or the community’s need for public safety.
The purpose of RSSP is twofold: 1) to increase safety and promote the learning environment in schools and 2) to meet the particular educational needs of disruptive students more appropriately and individually in alternative educational environments.
The RSSP has a set of guidelines, based upon best practices for alternative programs. Each student has an Alternative Education Plan (AEP) and positive outcomes include: reduction in disruptive behavior, regular attendance, coursework completion and credit received advancement in grade level, return to home school, grammar or high school graduation and where appropriate completing a program leading to taking the GED test and passing the GED.
Behavior modification training and other counseling, life skills training, community service, and work-based learning experiences are aspects of RSSP. Computerized learning systems may supplement the primary academic instruction or may be used as the primary method of instruction.
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Illinois Corporal Punishment in Public Schools Laws: Related Resources
