By: Ryan Touhey
Detentions have been on the rise in the first two weeks of school, especially among students who have had a rough time adjusting to the school’s “newly enforced policies.” When asked, students were quick to express their opinions about this situation.
One of the most common violations is disobeying the dress code. The handbook says (in bold), “Students must be in proper dress code attire upon their arrival at school. Failure to conform to the dress code, as it is set forth below and as it is interpreted by the school administration, may result in detention.” The dress code has specific requirements for grooming and attire. Brown or black leather belts, white socks with no emblems, and all white sneakers are part of the dress code. Students have found that the faculty is being more strict in enforcing the handbook guidelines on students who don’t obey the dress code rules because of the new honor code that all students signed and agreed to follow.
“It’s a little harsh,” said one sophomore. Another underclassman found the banning of the Nike swoosh symbol, “a bit excessive,” because it is just the logo of the company that made the shoe. However, some students agree with the way detentions are issued. “I think it’s fair,” another sophomore said. A faculty member offered his opinion on the detention situation. “The beginning of the school year is like ‘open season.’ There’s an analogy that deals with discipline and circus elephants. The young elephant’s leg is chained to a post in the ground. The elephant tries to pull free but the post won’t budge.” Similarly, students are like the elephant. They are chained to rules and can’t pull free.
There are other reasons besides dress code that students may receive a detention. The handbook mentions disruptive behavior, and “Such behavior may result in detention.” Another teacher described a moment where a student confronted him and remarked about a detention. “He complained about getting a detention because he didn’t have a lock,” which is clearly against the school’s policy. Locks were due within a few days but the students went over the limit. Another faculty member mentioned that students are eating in class as well which can also lead to a detention. “As the school year goes on, the students tend to push the envelope a little more,” a faculty member said.
I am sure many students are wondering if this strictness is going to last the whole year. Students know it’s their own fault for getting a detention, but believe that at least a few chances should be given.
(To read more about the “Elephant and the Chain,” check out http://juvenate-ltd.com/elephant-chain-syndrome/coaching)
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