Texas Elementary School Stops 'Traditional' Birthday Spankings

An eight-year tradition at Alvord Elementary School in the small town of Alvord, Texas is coming to an end following complaints from a few parents. Every year on a student's birthday, the school's principal, Bridget Williams, would call the student into her office and offer them a hug, high-five or birthday spanking. Just about every student would opt for the playful smack on the rear-end. 

Williams sent a letter to parents publically acknowledging the tradition in April and let them know they could opt their children out of the practice by sending a hand-written note to the school. But, after discussing the issue with Superintendent Dr. Randy Brown, who said he supports the spankings, Williams decided to voluntarily end the practice altogether. Now, students will only be given a hug or high-five on their birthday.

Most parents in the small town, which has a population of just 1,434 people, had no issue with the tradition. Over a dozen parents indicated to KTVT that they supported the playful spankings, while only one parent thought the practice was "innapropriopte."

“If it’s done in a playful manner,” said Amanda Fry. “I do it. My boys get birthday spankings at home.”

“I think it’s a fun tradition,” said Lana Simmons. “My kids love it. They always look forward to it.”

Heather Redder told the news station that she thinks the issue has to do with people from big cities moving to the rural town and not understanding the dynamics of the "small town community."

“They’re not used to a small town community,” said Heather Redder. “And that’s what we are… People that move here from the big city, they don’t realize, and they’re not used to this.”