A child in a similar situation could be removed from their home. Shouldn’t protection agencies be involved?
This feels like state sponsored child abuse. When does the federal government intervine?
This feels like state sponsored child abuse. When does the federal government intervine?
No, they couldn’t; in every one of those states (and many where corporal punishment in schools is prohibited) corporal punishment by parents or guardians is permitted.
> This feels like state sponsored child abuse.
It is.
> When does the federal government intervine?
It has very little authority to, excepy perhaps via funding mandates for schools. Were children considered a suspect class under the 14th Amendment (they seem to meet the usual test, but have not been so recognized), arguably the enforcement clause of the 14th Amendment might give a basis.
Practically speaking, 19 states is almost enough, alone, to block Congressional action via a Senate filibuster, so even if there was a Constitutional basis, federal action would be difficult.
It doesn’t sting to be wrong, but the reality makes me feel like shit.