New guidelines in a Maryland school district restrict hugs and homemade food.

Among the things that may no longer permitted at St. Mary’s County public elementary schools in Maryland are hugs and homemade treats, unless it’s a parent giving them to their own child.

In an effort to create an environment of safety and fairness, the school system has also established guidelines on passing out invitations in school and family visits. The presence and interaction practices among volunteers have also been tightened.

The rules were laid out and put in place after months of often-heated meetings. Community approval of the actions remains split.

Board member Mary Washington pointed out that schools are now targets for violence. She said, “We are entrusted to protect all our students.”

While executive director Kelly Hall said “…we want to be reasonable and will leave open the possibility of reworking the rules after they are tried out the rest of this school year.”

The school district started crafting the new rules prior to the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, but in its wake decided to implement the new policies ahead of plan.

What do you think? Are these guidelines appropriate?