Superintendent: We Won't Suspend Students for Hugging

When Principal Tyler Blackmore made an announcement over the loud speaker that the school was now a "no hugging school", he likely never guessed it would garner such widespread media attention.

The story was first reported by New Jersey 101.5, and was then on Matawan-Aberdeen Patch asking if readers felt hugging in middle school was appropriate.

The story of a "hug ban" in a New Jersey school quickly spread to multiple news organizations, including CBS Local, Fox NY, NJ.com, in addition to several blogs.

"It is unfortunate that there are those who find purpose and humor in sensationalizing such a routine school related issue at the expense and inconvenience of our children and our school community," said Superintendent David Healy in a press release issued Thursday evening.

Healy clarified that there is no set policy against hugging, and said no student would be suspended for hugging. Healy said that Blackmore made the announcement in an, "effort to address some incidents of unsuitable, physical interactions between students."

"I have confidence in Mr. Blackmore and his administrative team and believe that he acted in a responsible manner," Healy said.

Read Healy's full statement here:

Mr. Blackmore is responsible for the safety and well being of over 900 children ranging from eleven to fourteen years in age and to that end he makes several announcements on a daily basis. In an effort to address some incidents of unsuitable, physical interactions between students, Mr. Blackmore made an announcement to his students that they were in a "no hugging school."

We have a responsibility to teach children about appropriate interactions and about having a structured, academically focused environment. There is no policy specific to hugging and we have not nor will we be suspending students for hugging. However the Board has policies in place to address bullying, inappropriate relationships and inappropriate conduct. I have confidence in Mr. Blackmore and his administrative team and believe that he acted in a responsible manner.

Despite this distraction I along with my administration, faculty and staff will continue to be committed to focusing on our primary mission of educating children while providing them with a safe, secure and nurturing learning environment.

It is unfortunate that there are those who find purpose and humor in sensationalizing such a routine school related issue at the expense and inconvenience of our children and our school community.