UPDATE: Former NFL star and Trump appointee Jack Brewer is making headlines after demanding schools reinstate corporal punishment to combat youth crime. In a heated Fox News appearance on November 8, 2023, Brewer argued that the absence of disciplinary measures has contributed to a surge in crime among young people “terrorizing” the streets of America.
Brewer, who was nominated by Donald Trump to lead a federal commission focused on Black men and boys, claimed that schools “have to start back disciplining kids.” He stated, “They took the paddle out of the school and everything collapsed. We got to get the paddle back.” This controversial stance comes as crime rates in urban areas, including Washington D.C., have prompted discussions about public safety and youth behavior.
According to the National Education Association, as of 2024, 17 states still permit corporal punishment in public schools, highlighting a divide in educational discipline practices across the nation. Brewer’s remarks have reignited the debate over the efficacy and morality of physical punishment in schools, especially given the disproportionate impact on Black students, who are four times more likely to experience such discipline.
In his appearance, Brewer also criticized societal factors contributing to youth crime, including the cultural influences of music and media. He stated, “When you have a knucklehead kid that’s willing to rob you or me at gunpoint… these things don’t happen in states like Florida.” He further emphasized the role of the Second Amendment in protecting citizens, suggesting that “liberal cities” are more vulnerable to crime.
Brewer, who captained the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants before his retirement in 2007, has previously advocated for a combination of “paddle and prayer” as a solution to gun violence in schools. He shared his views on the need for a spiritual revival in education, asserting, “We got to put the 10 commandments back in our schools.”
His comments have sparked strong reactions across the political spectrum, with many calling for a reevaluation of disciplinary practices in schools. Brewer concluded his segment with an emotional appeal, stating, “Every Black man in America should feel despicable about the reality that our culture right now is terrorizing the streets of America.”
As this story develops, the implications of Brewer’s statements on policy and public opinion will be closely monitored. The White House and the Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys have yet to respond to requests for comment regarding Brewer’s controversial remarks.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story and the ongoing discussions surrounding school discipline and youth crime in America.