Background: Cordato’s Law.
Life, Feb. 20, 2006:
Dan Springer, reporter: First it was dodgeball, and now an increasing number of schools in America are banning the playing of “Tag” on their playgrounds. The latest is Adams Elementary in Spokane, Washington. The principal claims the students were getting hurt and also were being coerced to play. Fearing lawsuits and hurt feelings, she put an end to “Tag.”
Principal: There’s a bullying issue if students don’t want to participate in something, and they’re kinda being forced to by someone running up to ’em and shoving them and saying “You’re It!” Um, we want all students not only to be safe but to feel safe. …
Kubby Boyd, third grade student: I felt pretty bored when I came outside because we usually have nothing to do, and that’s all we play, “Tag.”
Springer: Some schools in California, New Jersey and Wisconsin have already banned “Tag,” agreeing with the National Association of School Psychologists, which believes “There’s a potential for some victimization.”
Sanders spoof, Jan. 1, 2002:
I am aghast that this monstrous, so-called game [tag] is still allowed in civilized countries. Do we know nothing about child psychology? A young child, especially a young girl, has enough crushing self-esteem issues to deal with than to be burdened with the additional social stigma of being cruelly labeled ?It? and then callously ostracized by her laughing, fleeing peers. Why couldn?t a facilitator care enough to lead them in a rousing game of ?We?re All Okay,? ?Duck Duck Quack? or ?I Win, You Win, We All Win, Let?s Play Again??
By all means go read the entire Fox transcript. The best part is when the third-grader who drew up the petition against the edict talks about feeling bored because when he goes outside, there’s nothing to do. Although the reporter does make it clear that “football is allowed on the playground.” But “there’s a catch … you can’t run. You can throw the ball, but no running with the football.”
