The family of a 14-year-old girl who was given detention for hugging a
classmate have hired an attorney.
Matt Morgan of Morgan & Morgan, said the law firm had been hired to
help raise awareness about the issue.
The incident happened on Monday at Jackson Heights Middle School in
Oviedo, Florida.
"I'm definitely hoping that we're bringing light to this subject," said
Kathy Fishbough, whose daughter, Ella, was punished. "I really didn't
expect this."
Morgan said he believes that there may be policies in place that
discourage children from being kind to one another.
"According to these alleged policies and procedures, a simple hug given
to a friend in their time of need is apparently worthy of reprimand,"
the law office said in a statement. "We believe this conduct sends the
wrong message to our children. They should be encouraged to be kind, not
discouraged. The family hopes to bring awareness to this issue in an
attempt to make our school systems a more compassionate and loving place
for children to spend their days."
Seminole County School District spokesman Michael Lawrence said that
while the district has been criticized for banning hugs, the real issue
is how far students can go in showing affection.
"If you're hugging your friends, you just won a big game, they're all
mobbing you and giving you a hug, or you just saw your friend over the
summer and you're greeting them briefly for the first time, that's
okay," he said.
However, Jackson Heights' planner, which is given to all students,
clearly states "no hugging." Lawrence admitted that that statement
might go too far.
"They get those planners year after year," Lawrence said. "That's something that we will review, and if it needs clarification, we can tweak the verbiage of that particular area."
In the meantime, the Fishboughs will meet with the principal and will
get to see school security video that captured the controversial hug.
"I'm hoping to have a better understanding of what was witnessed, what
took place, and maybe then we can shine a little light on both sides of
the story and come together as adults and figure out what we can do from
here forward," Fishbough said.
Ella's detention is set for Friday. Her mother says that no matter what
happens, her daughter will serve the punishment because she broke the
rules.
Seminole County School District spokesman Michael Lawrence said that
while the district has been criticized for banning hugs, the real issue
is how far students can go in showing affection.
"If you're hugging your friends, you just won a big game, they're all
mobbing you and giving you a hug, or you just saw your friend over the
summer and you're greeting them briefly for the first time, that's
okay," he said.
However, Jackson Heights' planner, which is given to all students,
clearly states "no hugging." Lawrence admitted that that statement
might go too far.
"They get those planners year after year," Lawrence said. "That's something that we will review, and if it needs clarification, we can tweak the verbiage of that particular area."
In the meantime, the Fishboughs will meet with the principal and will
get to see school security video that captured the controversial hug.
"I'm hoping to have a better understanding of what was witnessed, what
took place, and maybe then we can shine a little light on both sides of
the story and come together as adults and figure out what we can do from
here forward," Fishbough said.
Ella's detention is set for Friday. Her mother says that no matter what
happens, her daughter will serve the punishment because she broke the
rules.
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