Duluth High School senior, Sam McNair, of Georgia has been suspended for a year for violating Gwinnett County Public Schools’ sexual harassment policy.
McNair, a student athlete on the school’s football and lacrosse teams, will be unable to finish his senior year after he hugged one of his teachers last month. A surveillance video shows McNair walking up behind a teacher and wrapping his arms around her shoulders while leaning in. The teacher claimed his cheeks and lips touched the back of her neck and cheek. McNair denies this claim.
“Something so innocent can be perceived as something totally opposite,” he said.
He also denies that he was previously warned by the teacher that hugs were inappropriate as she alleges in the discipline report. McNair says he regularly hugs his teachers, but has never been disciplined for it in the past. His mother, April McNair, was caught off guard by the suspension as this is her first time hearing of her son’s hugging being an issue.
“He’s a senior. He plays football and was getting ready for lacrosse and you’re stripping him of even getting a full scholarship for athletics for college,” said April said.
Though Sam holds a discipline record and previous suspensions, he has not been in trouble for sexual harassment and does not believe he should be punished for showing affection.
“You never know what someone’s going through. A hug might help,” he said.
Read the full article on CBS Atlanta.
BMWK– What are your thoughts on this case? Do you feel Sam McNair deserves to be punished for his actions? Do you think the punishment fits the offense?
Renee says
Based on his height, and depending on what he was wearing, it could have been his clothes, or an item such as a zipper, that touched the back of the teacher’s neck. I am also surprised that his discipline record was made public, as I thought that these were to be private. While it appears that this young man seems to be affectionate, the first hug with any teacher should have been the last hug. I have always told my students, “Don’t touch the teacher!” It might sound mean, but I make it very clear that there are boundaries. I won’t even tolerate a tap on the shoulder. I have been consistent with this from the little people, to the high school level where I currently teach.