March 13, 1998

Dear Physician:

Parents and Teachers Against Violence in Education has recently begun circulating CORPORAL PUNISHMENT EXEMPTION form in the 23 U.S. states that still permit children to receive disciplinary beatings at school. We are confident that the form's wide availability in those places will significantly reduce the incidence of such violence against children. In order to make this project as effective as possible, we intend to build an even more impressive list of endorsing physicians. Their names will be added to subsequent printings. As for the on-line version, displayed on this Web site, new names are added immediately.

For many families, particularly in the rural south where pupil-beating is ubiquitous, this document is their first encounter with an authoritative statement opposing the practice. And we believe no one is better qualified to make that statement than members of the medical profession.

Please think of this as an opportunity for you to join the growing number of your co-professionals who want to help make our society a less violent place for children, and thereby a less violent place for everybody.

May we add your name to the list of endorsing physicians?

If you agree, please e-mail your approval to ptave@silcon.com. All we will need are your name and telephone number. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Jordan Riak, Executive Director