On March 10, Principal Mr. David Casper, Assistant principals Mr. Ray Gonzales and Mr. Craig Johnson made a temporary rule prohibiting students from walking around the blacktop at lunch.  The new rule excludes students who are playing sports.  

Casper said, “There is no business for students to be out back unless you have business there.”

Even if Principal Casper has a valid point, I disagree with the policy.  Walking around on the blacktop is better than walking around in the quad because you can see people playing games, and can sit in the nice, cold grass.

According to the administration, this rule will no longer be in use when students begin to show responsibility.  This is an acceptable solution.  But how are students supposed to prove themselves?  I believe students should be allowed on the blacktop area for one week with clear expectations for those who are in the back without playing sports.  For example, maybe students have to be walking and not standing still.  

Students have always enjoyed walking around the blacktop area for multiple reasons.  The quad area can get crowded, and students will not be able to walk because too many others will be in the way.  Casper had said that safety is being put at risk, but if people are walking in opposite directions and they are not paying attention to where they’re walking, they will likely crash and still get hurt!  

Even though walking in the quad and in the back area is very similar, they have their differences.  Some students don’t necessarily like to play sports but they enjoy watching them.  There are interesting games going on the basketball courts, soccer, and football field and it’s fun to watch them.  It is not fair to the students who are not athletic that the entire field is off limits.  

Due to some students behaving inappropriately, congregating in large groups is seen as improper as well.  In fact, the large groups of students are apparently one of the changes that the new rule is trying to address.  There is nothing inherently wrong with groups, though.  Having a lot of friends, and preventing students from feeling left out should never be inappropriate!

Students are not allowed to walk around on the blacktop for being irresponsible, but they cannot even prove themselves.  There are some benefits when walking around on the blacktop such as being with your friends, and enjoying the sports being played around you.  This is why the school needs to give students a chance. They already have the burden of being the best in their classes, they need a break and being allowed on the blacktop is something that can help chill, or relax students.