Watch Out for the Hug Police at Kilmer Middle School

His father, Henri, says the rule is ridiculous and un-American. It violates freedom of expression. He's asked the local School Board to take a closer look at the policy. Hopefully, it will toss it out.

Hal just thinks "hugging is a good thing." He told the Washington Post: "I think you should be able to shake hands, high-five and maybe a quick hug. Making out goes too far."

Deborah Hernandez, the school's principal, believes that a high-five can lead to much more serious things. According to her, pokes in the halls often become fights, and handshakes can be ways that gang members communicate. Then there are those troublesome girls who insist on holding hands or boys who pat their friends on the back.

It may be difficult for the average person to understand the connection between those pokes that lead to fist fights and holding hands or pats on the back, but not for Hernandez. In her mind, it's all the same: "You have to have an absolute rule with students and wiggle room and good judgment on behalf of the staff."