SAFE, short for Stopping Abusive Forces in Education, is a student-led legislative advocacy program focused on outlawing corporal punishment in private schools across the state. Corporal punishment is the physical disciplining of students, such as paddling or spanking. SAFE is moving beyond surface-level debate and pushing for real legislative change. 

   SAFE, led by Pinewood junior Rishi Chen, stands out from traditional extracurriculars at Pinewood School. Rather than focusing on mock debates or rehearsed arguments, the club introduces students to the real-world process of legislative advocacy. Members draft bills, organize petitions, and meet directly with lawmakers, providing opportunities that take students out of the classroom and into advocacy.

   “We wanted to create something that went beyond debating issues and actually worked to change them,” Chen said.

   That difference became crystal clear when Chen and his peers uncovered a decades-old loophole in California’s education system. Because of the 1977 Supreme Court ruling of Ingraham v. Wright, states were left to decide on the future of corporal punishment. California banned the practice in public schools in 1986, but efforts to address corporal punishment in private schools stalled afterward.

   “It’s outrageous that in such a forward-moving state corporal punishment is still a solution in private schools,” Chen said.

   Sophomore Adina Goldenberg, one of SAFE’s primary secretaries, highlighted the group’s rapid strides toward concrete legislative action.

   “We already have our bill written that tweaks the language of California law from just public schools to all schools,” Goldenberg said.  

   The club comprises of 25 members, divided into four committees: legislative outreach, research, community petitions, and media engagement. 

   Chen addressed how SAFE’s structure gives every member a role to contribute, whether through social media or direct lobbying.

   “Our committees cover everything,” Chen said. “Everyone has a role, and that makes us stronger.”

   That lobbying quickly turned into action. On Sept. 23, Chen, Goldenberg, and other members of SAFE met with Assemblymember Marc Berman and his legislative team in Sacramento to present their draft bill. 

   While SAFE is currently focused on corporal punishment, members are already thinking about the larger picture. 

   “Right now, we’re focused on corporal punishment, but we’ve entertained the idea of taking on bigger issues or other bills in the future,” Goldenberg said.

   Chen said he’s inspired by SAFE members’ genuine passion for change – not just building resumes. 

   “It’s inspiring because a lot of these people are very young. They just want to make a difference — not for a resume, but because it needs to be addressed,” Chen said.