Corporal punishment in schools has always been controversial in modern times, however, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona is calling on schools to end the practice.

In a letter to governors and school officials, Cardona formally called for an end to corporal punishment in schools but stopped just short of mandating it.

“Our nation’s schools should make every effort to provide children and youth with safe and supportive environments that protect and enhance their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Unfortunately, some schools continue to put the mental and physical well-being of students at risk by implementing the practice of corporal punishment, defined by the U.S. Department of Education (Department) as the practice of paddling, spanking, or otherwise imposing physical punishment on students.” Said Cardona in the letter. “Therefore, if the use of corporal punishment is permitted or practiced in schools and educational settings within your state or district, I urge you to move swiftly toward condemning and eliminating it.”

23 states still allow for some form of corporal punishment in schools though the majority of instances come from just a few states.

Read the full letter here.