A junior high school in Iowa City has banned hugging on campus, according to a Local 6 News report.

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School officials at Southeast Junior High School banned the popular act of affection because girls would hug in groups and stop the flow of traffic during passing periods.

Principal Deb Wretman said they have now instituted a strict hands-off or handshake policy at the Iowa City school. She said it's safe and efficient.

"The reason that we have the hands-off handshakes is really a, 'Lets move through the halls during passing time, do it safely and efficiently,'" Wretman said.

But not everyone is happy about the change.

A student recently wrote a letter to a local newspaper expressing outrage about the rule.

Wretman said at this point they are firm about the decision that has been handed down.

Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.