Subdivision 1.  Definition. For the purpose of this section, “corporal punishment” means conduct involving:

• (1)  hitting or spanking a person with or without an object; or
• (2)  unreasonable physical force that causes bodily harm or substantial emotional harm.

Subd. 2.  Corporal punishment not allowed. An employee or agent of a district shall not inflict corporal punishment or cause corporal punishment to be inflicted upon a pupil to reform unacceptable conduct or as a penalty for unacceptable conduct.

Subd. 3.  Violation. Conduct that violates subdivision 2 is not a crime under section 645.241, but may be a crime under chapter 609 if the conduct violates a provision of chapter 609.

Model policy prohibits corporal punishment.

Document provides guidance on reporting suspected student maltreatment, including corporal punishment.