In a bizarre and heated debate on the Oklahoma Senate floor, Republican State Senator Shane Jett went on a full-blown tirade against a bill designed to ban corporal punishment for disabled students, arguing that such a ban was both “socialist” and “unbiblical.”
Despite Jett’s extreme opposition, the bill, SB 364, introduced by fellow Republican Sen. David Rader, ultimately passed with a 31-16 vote—but not before Jett fought aggressively to defend the controversial practice.
During the tense debate, Jett demanded to know how Rader’s legislation conformed with the Bible, insisting that corporal punishment was divinely sanctioned.
Rader, unfazed, responded by quoting scripture himself, leading to a prolonged theological argument that stunned onlookers.
"Not all discipline needs to be one way," Rader stated. "Special needs students need special discipline—this bill simply says it won’t be physical."
Jett, however, wasn’t backing down, continuing to rail against the bill and claiming that prohibiting schools from physically disciplining disabled students would somehow be a violation of conservative values.
He also accused the bill of singling out schools that allow corporal punishment with parental consent, insisting that such a restriction was government overreach.
In an even stranger twist, he labeled the ban "socialist", though it was never explained how ending corporal punishment was linked to socialism.
The bill’s passage was welcomed by many, but Jett’s extreme position has sparked outrage across the political spectrum.
- Critics are calling it “disturbing” and “barbaric” that an elected official would fight to maintain the right to hit disabled students.
- Some have mocked Jett’s fixation on tying Christian scripture to corporal punishment, saying it reflects a dangerous interpretation of religious values.
- Others pointed out that his claim of “socialism” makes no sense, questioning whether he even understands the concept.
"This is beyond disgusting," one Oklahoma resident wrote online. "No child—especially disabled students—should have to fear being physically harmed in school."
Even some Republicans distanced themselves from Jett’s stance, recognizing the negative attention it could bring to the party.
This isn’t the first time Jett has made headlines for his far-right stances and unusual policy proposals.
- He has endorsed placing Trump-approved “God Bless the USA” Bibles in classrooms, aligning himself with far-right State Superintendent Ryan Walters.
- He recently introduced a bill to deregulate the production and sale of donkey milk, but never clarified why he felt this was a legislative priority.
- He has continuously fought against LGBTQ+ rights, diversity programs, and school regulations, positioning himself as one of Oklahoma’s most extreme conservatives.
Despite Jett’s loud opposition, SB 364 has successfully passed, meaning Oklahoma will now officially ban the physical punishment of disabled students in schools.
However, the larger debate about corporal punishment in schools remains ongoing, as Oklahoma is still one of the few states where it is legally allowed in public schools.
- Will other Republican lawmakers push to bring back physical discipline?
- Will Jett continue fighting against policies aimed at protecting vulnerable students?
- Or will this controversy finally force Oklahoma to re-evaluate its stance on corporal punishment entirely?
For now, Jett’s outrageous comments have thrust him into the national spotlight, leaving many wondering how far he’s willing to go in his crusade against “socialist” protections for children.
