Hallways in schools across the Mid-State have always been packed with students in between classes, but imagine not being able to touch a fellow classmate -- a friendly greeting or a high five for example. That's the goal at Harpeth Middle School in Cheatham County.
"That's a, that's a big deal," Audrey Hanson said.
Hanson's step daughter is a sixth grader there. A few weeks ago she came home with upsetting news.
"We're not allowed to touch each other, or hug each other, or give high fives," explained Hanson.
School officials began enforcing a no touch policy in late February. In a statement from school district administrators, staff at Harpeth Middle School along with sixth grade teachers have "enforced a procedure intended on alleviating inappropriate physical contact."
We're told many sixth grade teachers voiced concerns about bullying problems while in school.
"I would like to see them focus more on the difference between appropriate and inappropriate touch and deal with inappropriate touch accordingly," said Hanson.
As a therapist, Hanson has feared the impact this policy may have on students.
"When they're told that they can't help somebody up who's fallen and hurt themselves, they're being taught the opposite of compassion. They're being taught how to be a person who says I could help you but I better not," she said.
It's the school district's goal to ensure students are safe and act appropriately while in school. Hanson believes it may have longer lasting effects.
"These kids now have to be paranoid about their every action because they're being required to behave in a way that's very abnormal," said Hanson.
Dean of Students David Hooper released the following statement:
"Just for clarification purposes the Harpeth Middle School administration coupled with the 6th grade teachers have enforced a procedure intended on alleviating inappropriate physical contact. A letter was drafted and approved by the 6th grade team teachers, and administration which was sent to all parents notifying them of changes to the procedures on February 24, 2016. The 6th grade team of teachers' classroom rules clearly indicate students are to keep hands, feet, and objects to self. The Cheatham County School District's goal is to ensure students are safe and act appropriately during the course of the day."
