
Well, given that we're presenting personal anecdotes as evidence in this little sub-thread....
Corporal punishment has caused me harm. I was subjected to it as a child. Not excessive, in terms of the general attitudes of society at the time, not brutal, not often. I was never insecure in the love of my parents. But they did beat me to correct me. And I did learn. I have grown up with a strong moral sense, etc, etc.
And now that I'm a parent, and my child stands up to me, I have nothing to draw on. My instinct is to beat him, until he complies. 'Cos that's what I grew up with. I resist, but I'd like to not have to.
On the main thread - no way should this pricnipal be allowed to avoid the courts. There's legal redress available to him, let him make us of it, or shut up. Yet another bullying, power-crazed blowhard in a position of power over the flowers of (your) youth.
Promising costs nothing, it's the delivering that kills you.