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U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. , arguing that it is a 鈥渉armful practice.鈥�

In his letter to governors and chief state school officers dated Tuesday, King pointed out that the corporal punishment practiced in some states鈥� schools could also be classified as criminal assault or battery under separate laws in those same states. Corporal punishment is often used disproportionately on certain groups of students, such as students of color, King said. And he argued that the practice undermines efforts to teach students nonviolent methods of resolving conflicts and negatively impacts their long-term behavior and academic outcomes.

鈥淭he use of corporal punishment can hinder the creation of a positive school climate by focusing on punitive measures to address student misbehavior rather than positive behavioral interventions and supports,鈥� King wrote. 鈥淐orporal punishment also teaches students that physical force is an acceptable means of solving problems, undermining efforts to promote nonviolent techniques for conflict resolution.鈥�

In a call with reporters Monday, King stressed that schools are entrusted with providing a safe learning environment for students, and that it has 鈥渘o place in the schools of a modern nation.鈥�

鈥淭he continued use of corporal punishment in schools across the country violates that trust,鈥� King said, adding that a variety of groups, including teachers鈥� unions and parent organizations, oppose the practice. (The letter provides no legal guidance on the issue, the secretary noted.)

When asked the biggest obstacle to changing the practice, King cited the adherence to 鈥渢radition鈥� in some states and concerns about 鈥渉ow schools can ensure safe and orderly environments.鈥�

On the same call, American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten called ending corporal punishment 鈥渁 moral matter鈥� that transcends party politics. She also said a strong alliance of parents and educators would be especially important in efforts to end the practice in schools.

鈥淚t should have been banned in all 50 states years ago,鈥� Weingarten said.

King鈥檚 recommendation comes a few months after Education Week published the results of an investigation into corporal punishment in American schools.

Our investigation into corporal punishment found, for example, that it is used in 21 states. And we also looked at the deep roots of paddling in schools, as well as the long-term consequences of an eighth-grade student鈥檚 paddling. You can watch Education Week鈥榮 coverage for the PBS Newshour (an Education Week partner) about the issue, featuring the project鈥檚 lead reporter Sarah D. Sparks, at the top of this blog post.

Michelle Rhee and Donald Trump

Weingarten was also asked about the possibility of former D.C. schools chief Michelle Rhee . (The AFT has long been critical of Rhee鈥檚 approach to teacher policy.) She said it was an unexpected development because, in Weingarten鈥檚 view, Rhee is 鈥渁 big adherent to things he said he didn鈥檛 like.鈥�

鈥淚鈥檓 very surprised that he would be speaking to Michelle Rhee,鈥� Weingarten said. 鈥淪he was very much a creature of wanting more tests and common-core based upon tests, and the kind of top-down accountability that the country has walked away from.鈥�