By Megan V. Williams
Wilmington, NC – North Carolina is among 21 states that allow paddling in schools, although many of the state's most populous counties have outlawed the practice.
The group spearheading a statewide ban, Parents and Teachers Against Violence in Education, has stepped up its online campaign and intends to present legislation next fall.
According to PTVAE's North Carolina Coordinator, Peggy Dean, the legislature voted on a bill to study the situation last year.
It failed, it didn't get through the system. I think that we've just begun to open eyes in North Carolina. I don't think a lot of people realize this was still going on.
Many counties in southeastern North Carolina allow corporal punishment, including Columbus, Onslow and Robeson. New Hanover and Brunswick counties have both banned physical discipline.