Jun 19 2007
No Touching Allowed!
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A rule against physical contact at a Fairfax County middle school is so strict that students can be sent to the principal’s office for hugging, holding hands or even high-fiving.
Unlike some schools in the Washington area, which ban fighting or inappropriate touching, Kilmer Middle School in Vienna bans all touching — and that has some parents lobbying for a change.
Hugging was Hal Beaulieu’s crime when he sat next to his girlfriend at lunch a few months ago and put his arm around her shoulder. He was given a warning, but told that repeat missteps could lead to detention.
It’s not bad enough that our society imprints upon children the idea that their bodies are something to be ashamed of unless it fits the exact and demanding specifications of what is the appropriate weight, height, skin tone, and is garbed in the latest fashions. Now we’re trying to give them a complex about touching and interacting with other people!
Completely agree with you. We should educate our children and teach them to protect their bodies and be aware of any no-allowed touching. However, from my point of view, not allowing children to high-fiving, or hand shaking is definitely an exaggeration. Within our cultural backgrounds, we have been taught customs such as that a handshaking is a way of greeting. What about a cheek kissing, we do that and that doesn’t indicate any sexual or romantic interest. Anyway, it is just that this society sometimes confuses me :}