Ban on Hugs

MASCOUTAH, Ill. - Two hugs equals two days of detention for 13-year-old Megan Coulter. The eighth-grader was punished for violating a school policy banning public displays of affection when she hugged two friends Friday.

"I feel it is crazy," said Megan, who was to serve her second detention Tuesday after classes at Mascoutah Middle School.

"I was just giving them a hug goodbye for the weekend," she said.

Megan's mother, Melissa Coulter, said the embraces weren't even real hugs — just an arm around the shoulder and slight squeeze.

"It's hilarious to the point of ridicule," Coulter said. "I'm still dumbfounded that she's having to do this."

Full story here.

Hugs are banned in schools? But giving out condoms and birth control pills are okay?!

The kids at my kids' school love to give hugs to one another. When they see each other at the beginning of the day they give hugs to each other. And before they leave for home, they will hug each other too. There used to be a girl in Duncan's class who would come up to him as soon as he arrived at his class and would try to hug him. He ran away from her! Haha.

I think hugs should be okay. I don't like public displays of affection at schools either but friendly hugs, and hugs of encouragement should be okay. A tight hug between a boy and girl, now that's another story. Especially when there are sexual currents involved in that hug!

I agree with the student's parents. There should be clear guidelines as to what constitutes a public display of affection.