According to the 2017 Steinbrenner student handbook, open displays of affection are explicitly not permitted on school grounds. While the handbook mentions that students will be subject to disciplinary action, there are many couples that still openly hug or kiss in the hallways.
Steinbrenner has been fairly lenient with this rule, but that doesn’t mean that many are comfortable with or appreciate what they see.
Many students have had encounters with a couple standing in the middle of the hallway, completely ignorant to the fact that there are many others who feel uncomfortable around them. During the passing periods, teachers also stand outside the door, and they see quite a bit.
“I see something every other period. I push through them, make a snarky remark, or just glare at them,” said senior Anika Trotman.
Students might think that they’re hidden from view on the staircases, but many teachers and students are nearby. This is particularly true in the mornings. At the sound of the bell, some couples will cling to their significant other before they leave, as though they’re being separated forever.
“I used to see people more often last year, like on the back stairs. Every day in the morning…it was bad. Now, once in a while,” said math teacher Ana Cooper. “It’s very weird! It’s very uncomfortable. And, as a teacher, it’s like what do I do? Do I tell them to get out of here? Do I tell them that it is inappropriate? What do I tell them?”
Excessive PDA can be uncomfortable for some students and teachers. A lot of the time, students don’t know exactly what to do when faced with a couple in their way. However, a little open affection is not necessarily obnoxious.
“Students need to learn that certain behaviors are appropriate for different scenarios, the school day is not the place for more than a friendly hug, a quick peck, or holding hands.” said chemistry teacher Michelle James-Yarish.
Tame affection does exist, but a lot of students take their expressions to an extreme, as some students and teachers have witnessed around campus. Students may hide away in corners and break school rules.
“Underneath or at the top of staircases there are a lot of people. I wait for my friend by one of the staircases and there are two groups of people who show up and start making out. It’s really awkward,” said freshman Max King.
People often meet in the hallways to discuss classes and pass time in between periods, and it can be uncomfortable and awkward for everyone around if people are being overly affectionate. However, a lot of students pass through regularly, as they don’t mind. While some teachers do say something, a lot of the time, it is weird for them, too.
There’s nothing wrong with relationships in high schools. However, students and teachers seem to agree that the excessive PDA in the hallways is unnecessary and distasteful, not to mention against school rules.
Sara Gofter // Staff Writer
