10 Weird Rules Your Principal Tried to Enforce
These are 10 real examples of strange and controversial rules enforced by principals, ranging from banning hugs to requiring forced smiles.
- Alyana Aguja
- 3 min read
Across different schools, principals have tried to implement unusual rules that sparked debate among students, parents, and staff. While some were intended to encourage safety or positivity, many came across as controlling or overly strict. These weird rules reveal the fine line between maintaining order and stifling student life.
1. Banning Red Ink
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One principal in Australia prohibited teachers from grading in red ink, claiming it was too “confrontational” and “stressful” for students. Teachers were instructed to use purple or green pens instead. While intended to promote positivity, many felt it made grading less clear and unnecessarily complicated.
2. No Hugging Allowed
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At a middle school in New Jersey, the principal banned hugging after saying students were clogging hallways with prolonged embraces. Students protested by staging group hugs in defiance. Parents argued that such a rule went too far in policing harmless affection.
3. No Cartwheels at Recess
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A primary school in Australia banned cartwheels during recess due to safety concerns. The principal claimed kids could easily injure themselves or others. However, parents criticized the rule, saying it discouraged fun and physical activity.
4. No Christmas or Holiday Decorations
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In one Oregon elementary school, principals banned holiday decorations to maintain a strictly “neutral” environment. Teachers were told to remove even snowflakes and candy canes. Families and staff pushed back, saying the policy stripped classrooms of joy and cultural representation.
5. Mandatory Smile Rule
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A high school in England once had a rule requiring students to “smile” when walking the halls. The principal argued it promoted a positive atmosphere. Students called it absurd and said it placed unfair emotional expectations on them.
6. No Pokémon Cards or Toys
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In the late 1990s, many principals across the United States banned Pokémon cards. One principal in California argued they caused fights, trading disputes, and classroom distractions. Despite the backlash, the ban spread quickly to countless schools.
7. Bathroom Pass Time Limits
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Some principals in U.S. schools introduced strict bathroom pass rules, giving students only three to five minutes to return. Failure to do so sometimes resulted in detention. Critics said the rule ignored legitimate health needs and put unnecessary stress on students.
8. No Running on the Playground
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A primary school in Washington state once prohibited running during recess. The principal cited concerns over scraped knees and liability issues. Parents and child development experts criticized the decision, saying it robbed kids of healthy exercise.
9. Silence During Lunch
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In a Pennsylvania middle school, the principal required students to eat lunch in total silence. He argued it prevented chaos and noise complaints from teachers. Students said it made lunchtime feel like a punishment rather than a break.
10. No High-Fives in the Hallway
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A principal in Massachusetts banned high-fives after claiming they disrupted hallway traffic and encouraged rowdy behavior. Students found the rule overbearing and petty. Eventually, parents and teachers criticized the ban until it was dropped.