Thumbs up/Thumbs down

Published: Thursday, February 26, 1998

Thursday, February 26, 1998

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 viewpoint@media.ucla.edu.