Thumbs up/Thumbs down

Thursday, February 26, 1998

Thumbs up/Thumbs down

No kisses, no hugs, no fair

Thumbs down to the administrators and ridiculous policies at
Nicholas Junior High School in Fullerton; students were banned from
hugging, kissing or any other public displays of affection.

Within the days preceding St. Valentine’s Day, the policy began
to draw fire from students on campus.

Tammy A. Brown, interim principal of the school, said that the
purpose of the ban was to keep students from engaging in "anything
that disrupts the learning environment. The rule is to keep your
hands and your feet to yourself. The guideline is no inappropriate
displays of affection."

Angered students took their concerns to the school board
meeting. A board member said that the policy, which was adopted
seven years ago, would not be changed and that the policy would be
helpful in preventing sexual harassment cases.

Though no hugging is allowed, Brown noted that students are
allowed to give each other high fives.

Poor sports

in Nagano

Thumbs down to poor sportsmanship on the part of members of the
U.S. Olympic men’s hockey team. The team, which featured NHL
players, was expected to be a possible contender for the bronze
medal.

Many were disappointed when the team lost to the Czech Republic
and was consequently out of competition.

In frustration about the loss, U.S. alternate captain Keith
Thachuk said, "It was the biggest waste of time – ever."

Mike Modano, a fellow teammate, stated that "everybody’s shocked
and disappointed, a lot of guys are frustrated, thinking it was a
waste of time … to come over here at all."

Although the Olympic experience must have been an extreme
letdown for the team members, their behavior is inexcusable and
disgraceful.

Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down represents a majority opinion of the Daily
Bruin Editorial Board. Send comments or suggestions to
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