Schools are havens for learning, aren’t they? There is more than getting an education in schools, though. It is in schools where we form our life principles and get to develop lifelong skills. This is true from pre-school to grade school all the way to university. We form friendships. We learn how to interact even with those we may not like. We learn how to deal with authority.
There is no need to expound on just how important the school environment is. What cannot be emphasized enough is just how critical the role educators and school policy makers play. That being said, it is understandable that those in power have to implement rules and regulations that shape the school environment. Bans, when appropriate, can be considered welcome.
But what if school bans go beyond what may considered by many as “normal”? Sure, normal can be a relative term, but there have been some school bans that do nothing but to perplex. Take a look at these strange school bans, which have actually been implemented in real life.
The Bans
- Hugs – I don’t know about you, but I am a firm believer in the power of hugs. While some people may not be the hugging type, I believe that given in the right moment, in the right context, and to the right person, hugs have powers beyond understanding. Just look at little kids hugging each other, and tell me you don’t feel all warm and fuzzy inside! Unfortunately, some schools have taken it upon themselves to define personal space and ban hugs, which is considered part of “unsuitable actions” for students. Boo!
- Photography – Thanks to technology, anyone can be a budding photographer these days. Apparently, some schools have decided that photography in the premises can pose a danger, namely, child pornography. Any decent person would be opposed to child porn, but banning photography in schools altogether is just taking it too far! What happens to the photography clubs which foster creativity?
- Father’s Day Cards – The road to hell is paved with good intentions, so they say. This is one ban that is all about good intentions – avoiding fatherless children to feel left out – but fails in the overall picture.
- POGS – Remember POGS? They were cardboard discs that became popular in the 90s. Children today probably don’t know them anymore as they have been banned due to being “too violent” and causing distress. What a loss!
- Christmas Trees – Christmas is the favorite holiday of almost everyone, and when it comes to this holiday, the tree is a central aspect. Some schools have banned Christmas trees because of some parents complaining about their religious connotation. Funny because Christmas trees are actually not of Christian origin. Might as well kill the idea of Christmas fun while they’re at it.
- Red Ink – This one is for teachers. Perhaps there is some psychological basis to banning red ink to mark papers, but I am no expert so I find it strange. Whatever ink you use, the idea of making mistakes and marking them remains, doesn’t it?
- Dancing – Forget doing the Hokey-Pokey or the Chicken Dance. Many schools have banned dancing because of its provocative nature. I cry for children whose creative sides are being stifled by the educational system.
Schools should be a place for learning, but I believe that includes learning tolerance as well. What do you think of these school bans?
Image via simpoluk