First Degree Hugging Charge Lands Student in Principle’s Office

Do you remember a time when kids got in trouble for chewing gum in school? When fist fights took place not gun fights? Maybe the reason kids are having such a hard time expressing themselves in today’s schools is because some educators won’t let kids be kids anymore… Maybe they’re having a hard time paying attention, so let’s drug them up! We sure wouldn’t want any horse play so let’s outlaw any touching whatsoever!

By Maria Glod
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, June 18, 2007

Fairfax County middle school student Hal Beaulieu hopped up from his lunch table one day a few months ago, sat next to his girlfriend and slipped his arm around her shoulder. That landed him a trip to the school office. Among his crimes: hugging.

All touching — not only fighting or inappropriate touching — is against the rules at Kilmer Middle School in Vienna. Hand-holding, handshakes and high-fives? Banned. The rule has been conveyed to students this way: “NO PHYSICAL CONTACT!!!!!”

School officials say the rule helps keep crowded hallways and lunchrooms safe and orderly, and ensures that all students are comfortable. But Hal, 13, and his parents think the school’s hands-off approach goes too far, and they are lobbying for a change.

For the rest of the story click here.

Good Lord Almighty, no wonder kids are having problems expressing themselves and developing social skills. We’re not letting them be kids anymore instead they’re supposed to be robots who sit in cubicles and keep their hands to themselves. Shaking hands, hugging, hi-fives, these are normal experiences for boys and girls growing up and now they’re off limits? This is just bizarre.