"What should schools ban next? Drugs, hugs and..." by Betsy Hammond
The Oregonian
March 19, 2010
URL:
http://www.oregonlive.com/education/index.ssf/2010/03/what_should_schools_ban_nex.html
Topic: What should schools ban next? Drugs, hugs and...
Summary:
The article used this picture to show many things are banned at schools. The author used Portland's West Sylvan Middle School as an example, which banned hugs. She was also wondering what will Oregon schools ban next.
Intended audience: Teachers, students and parents
Key points: Drugs-free zones, zero tolerance for weapons, banning hugs
Relevance: It is interesting to read this article and see this picture. It reminds me back to high school in China, we have to wear school uniform every weekdays, boys should not have long hair (usually side hair should not cover ears), girls should not wear mini skirt or do make-up, no nail polish, no necklace or earrings, etc. Every morning, there will be some school staffs standing at the school gate to check everyone entering the school.
I kinda have a dumb question - Are we not paying with our tax dollars for these schools? So then if we wanted to go and skateboard, or walk our dogs there, shouldn't that be allowed? I get not allowing things that would be destructive and keeping people off the grounds during school hours but - hmm? As far as all the things students are not allowed to do - I am sure an argument could be made on both sides and I am sure I could find myself tending to lean either way depending on the rationality of the argument. But for tonight I am thinking that if we want people who can think and make choices for themselves we need to leave them some to make. Plus if we are going to some day set them loose in society and they can't make a harmless decision like how long they want their hair - what happens when they have to make the big ones like whether or not to drink and drive? I am sure I am stretching that a bit but just trying to make a point.
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