Trending Topics

Texas sheriff says he won’t be hugging people at work anymore

A sheriff has declared his “hugging days” over after the recent deluge of sexual harassment claims against politicians, actors and other public figures

By Claire Z. Cardona
The Dallas Morning News

NUECES COUNTY, Texas — A Texas sheriff has declared his “hugging days” over after the recent deluge of sexual assault and harassment claims against politicians, actors and other public figures.

Nueces County Sheriff Jim Kaelin announced the decision Wednesday on his Facebook page.

“Sad, but you just don’t know when this hug might come back and bite you,” Kaelin said. “The workplace, for one, can become hostile if an employee “feels” threatened by your hugs ... SO IT’S OVER.”

Family and close friends are the exception, but for all others Kaelin said he would offer a handshake or knuckle bump.

https://www.facebook.com/jim.kaelin/posts/10215526464501497?pnref=story

“It might offend you that I will no longer participate in hugging you, but I have decided to discontinue receiving/giving hugs from anyone outside of my family and close friends,” he said. "... I’m from the old school but the time has come for me ... No more hugs.”

Dozens of people responded in the comments of the post, with many saying they understood the decision and others remarking on this being a sad day and time.

Kaelin, who previously served as deputy constable and deputy sheriff, took office as sheriff in November 2006.

©2017 The Dallas Morning News

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU