School Bans Hugs Over 2 Seconds
 

Students Don't Embrace 'Public Display Of Affection' Policy




MESA, Ariz. -- A school policy banning student hugging prompted dozens of east Valley students to protest with a giant group hug across the street from campus.


"I think it's ridiculous," said Chelsea Branham, a 14-year-old student at Shepherd Junior High School in east Mesa.

Branham said she got detention this week for hugging her friend after school.

"It's not like it's supposed to mean anything," she said. "It's not like I was making out with him or something."

Branham joined her classmates on Friday for a 20-minute, public hug-a-thon.

"She's taking a stand and I'm standing behind her to do it," said Stephanie Wiegold, her mother.

The "no-hugging" rule had previously been in the student handbook. After many students began expressing concern about public hugging and kissing in the hallways, the school began reinforcing the guideline by punishing huggers, which led to Friday's protest.

Prior to the demonstration, the district said the principal and students brokered an agreement to clarify the "no-hugging" rule. According to the guidelines, small hugs, less than two seconds, are permitted but longer ones and kissing are not.

"We can only hug two seconds? That's ridiculous," Branham said. "It's barely even a hug."

"What we're doing here is hoping to help kids understand what's happening," said Kathy Bareiss of Mesa public schools.

The district said a list of acceptable and non-acceptable behaviors will be handed out to students on Monday.

The district said a list of acceptable and non-acceptable behaviors will be handed out to students on Monday

and therein lies the problem.

discretion is the soul of judgement.

Even children can distinguish between natural and posited laws.

what do you mean, jseal?

/me bitch slaps wyndhy :D

















and then hugs her for more than 2 seconds

An excellent example. This contains both of the points I was making. I rest my case.

Being the sports nut that I am, the first place my mind went was to celebrations during sporting events. Let's say someone just scored the winning basket in a big game or the team just advanced to or won the state championship......... chances are there is going to be some hugging going on. I'd be willing to bet that even the school administrators may be partaking. They certainly would have some sort of provision for this type of thing........... wouldn't they? :shrug:


Yeah, a bit of devil's advocate there. :p

Lilith, you only bitch-slapped Whyndy as an excuse to "console" her. We know you.

/me raspberries lilith and sneakily licks her neck when she hugs me.;)


i wasn't starting a debate, i seriously didn't understand.

and i still don't
:shrug:

Two seconds?


How the hell am I supposed to get your bra off in two seconds? :confused:

Hey, WI , I make it easy on you by not wearing a bra in the first place.