As archaic as it may seem, the practice of spanking students is still allowed in 19 states, according to the Center for Effective Discipline, an anti-spanking organization.

In those states, many cities — including Atlanta, Dallas, Memphis and others — have banned the practice in their schools. Liability for school districts has been cited as a reason to end spanking, along with questions over its efficacy and morality, as reported by The Atlantic’s Melinda Anderson.