POLL: Matawan Principal Speaks Out Against Hugging

According to a report by New Jersey 101.5, became a "no hugging school" last week after MAMS Principal Tyler Blackmore made a brief announcement over the loud speaker.

Superintendent David Healy told NJ101.5 that the decision was the result of, “the excessive, observed and reported, welcomed and unwelcomed hugging or physical contact between students.”

Healy indicated that based on "observed and reported excessive hugging/physical contact," Blackmore felt is was important to take action before the issue escalated. Healy also said that the "no hugging" rule stems from a heightened awareness and reporting of harassment, intimidation and bullying.

Read Healy's full statement here.

are weighing in on both sides of the issue.

One district employee said:

"As a person who works in this school, I have to say that those who have made this a federal case are the ones who should think about what else is more important in life. There is NO rule about no hugging! The message was about those students who were groping eachother in front of teachers and other students in the halls, lunch room, and else where. Perhaps if kids were more embarrassed about displaying a certain level of affection in front of adults, there would be no need to make an announcement about what is appropriate in school. The fact is, adults have turned this into a huge distraction in our school and most kids think the whole thing is stupid."

Peggy Devlin Blazewicz said:

"Sounds like a great educational opportunity to teach kids appropriate vs not appropriate touching, ie sexual harrassment training. Banning hugging completely doesn't teach them why they should be mindful when touching other people."

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