OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – An interim study designed to examine the effectiveness of corporal punishment in schools played out with mixed reaction at the Oklahoma State Capitol on Monday. The study, proposed by Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, included testimonies from multiple Oklahoma superintendents, child psychologists, Olsen himself and an opponent on the matter. Both advocates and opponents of corporal punishment praised the inclusion of both sides of the issue. Corporal punishment is not illegal in Oklahoma, leaving discipline in the hands of school districts. Oklahoma is one of only 17 states where that's the case. There is no outlined structure to what corporal punishment can and cannot include or who it can be directed towards. A bill that would prohibit hitting, spanking or paddling students with the most significant cognitive disabilities hasn't been able to find enough legislative traction to reach Governor Kevin Stitt's desk. In March 2023, Olsen took issue with the legislation, quoting biblical scripture as a precedent for corporal punishment. "If you will not use the rod on a disobedient child, you do not love that child," said Olsen in March of that year while on the House floor. Monday's interim study included the topic of religion, but also data from opponents of corporal punishment like Dr. David Blatt with Oklahoma Appleseed Center For Law and Justice. As Director of Research, Blatt recently authored a report on corporal punishment in Oklahoma called, "We Don't Hit." Research conducted in that report, according to Blatt, shows corporal punishment is not effective in the state; and students have also been hurt as a result. "All of our students from Adair to Putnam City to Wewoka should have the same right to have school be a safe place where they are not going to be hit," said Blatt. RELATED COVERAGE: House Candidate weighs in on paddling in Oklahoma schools Advocates of corporal punishment that spoke Monday said school districts should get to decide if they'd like to opt in or opt out of corporal punishment. Some in support noted it should only be used as a last resort, and that each situation should be considered on a case by case basis. "There's some situations where I would spank an autistic child," said Rep. Randy Randleman, R-Eufaula. Randleman said he doesn't, however, support paddling or using law enforcement resources to punish students. Olsen gave his testimony as a father of homeschooled students, saying he's used corporal punishment in his household. "If other disciplinary measures do not work, then [educators] ought to be permitted to use a small paddle or other similar level of spanking that will get [students] attention," said Olsen. News 4's John Hayes pressed Olsen on his views as a homeschool parent, given corporal punishment impacts students in the public and private school sectors as well. "Everybody makes their choices," said Olsen. "We made our choice, not because we were wealthy and able to do it, we were at times poor and we sacrificed in order to homeschool...If you're going to ultimately make a choice that you're going to delegate the training of your children to somebody else, whether it's a private school or a public school, implicit in that choice is that you're going to trust them to train them and, if necessary, discipline them." Olsen was also pressed during the study on why a portion of time dedicated to biblical scriptures was included in the study. Olsen originally noted that it was only discussed because Blatt addressed the topic during his time allotted to speak. Olsen amended his comment, after it was brought up a description of scriptures was already included on the agenda for the study. Olsen noted that it was added in anticipation of the topic likely coming up following his previous comments on the matter. Failed bank in Lindsay reopens as First Bank & Trust Co. "People can choose to believe the Bible. They can choose not to," said Olsen. "If we proclaim that Jesus is the Lord of our life, then we need to take the words of Scripture plainly at their meaning." News 4 spoke with Rep. Mickey Dollens, D-Oklahoma City, after the study concluded to get his take. "I hate it anytime the Bible is used to score political points or push a political agenda," said Dollens. "There are many different faiths and backgrounds and the lack thereof in Oklahoma." While Dollens said he appreciated the open dialogue, Oklahoma should be doing its best to help students and meet them where they are rather than focusing on physical discipline. "There are so many things we could be doing to address the root causes of what's causing misbehavior in the classroom instead of just resorting to a paddle and a spanking," said Dollens. Olsen said he doesn't plan to file legislation on corporal punishment as a direct tie to the study, but imagines it would likely be the source of more heated debate if a new bill makes its way to the floor targeting it. "If we really care about the children, it'll be good for the child in question as well as for the atmosphere in general if we maintain proper discipline," said Olsen. If you missed the meeting, you can watch it here.