Introduction:

Cal Aero Preserve Academy has decided to limit the eighth graders to only the grass field and basketball courts during recess. Eighth graders are provided no explanation for this course of action. Students like: Brycen get referrals for protesting. Now, eighth graders are restricted from a variety of activities, which not only shows inequality between grades, but limits exercise and enjoyment. 

Part 1: Protesting and Petition Rights

The eighth graders, who began the protest and were unjustly given referrals, didn't violate any rules. According to aclu.org, in the state of  California you “do not lose your right to free speech just by walking into school. You have the right to speak out, hand out flyers and petitions...as long as you don’t disrupt the functioning of the school or violate the school’s content-neutral policies” because the First Amendment rights still apply at school. These eighth grade students commenced their protest during lunch time, which doesn’t disrupt the school’s schedule or functioning. Therefore, these eighth graders getting referrals is a direct violation of their rights. We should not be restricted from our freedom of speech. Additionally, this rule was made with no representation from the student’s side.  Furthermore, this also means that this petition is allowed at school and we cannot be punished for starting it. 

Part 2: Health and Exercise

Recess is a time for students to exercise after long periods of time of remaining seated in classrooms. However, these restrictions limit students from a variety of activities including tetherball, handball, and the playground. Students cannot exercise because basketball courts are extremely overcrowded (with it being the only enjoyable activity for eighth graders) and grass fields provide minimal forms of activities. The overcrowding at basketball courts discourage students from participating. As a result, eight graders are forced to spend their recreation time being stationary. Eighth graders are left bored and unproductive with no way to relieve the stress of eight grade. This unproductivity can lead to numerous health problems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that “long-term effects of physical inactivity include being overweight or obese, which is also influenced by a poor diet. This increases risks for diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, arthritis, and poor health status.” Physical inactivity affects mental health as well. Matt D. Roth, MD, a ProMedica Physician specializing in family and sports medicine, emphasizes, “There are a lot of good studies on recess supporting physical and mental health, especially for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Being physically active improves concentration.” Moreover, a Stanford study conducted in 2015, concluded that a high-quality recess program can help students feel more engaged, safer and positive about the school day. These unconstitutional restrictions are damaging student’s mental and physical health 

Part 3: Equality 

This restriction poses a serious threat to equality throughout the school. Put simply, eighth graders aren’t given the same treatment. Whatever the reason may be to enact this restriction needs to be told. For eighth graders, we find it completely unfair and unequal to be treated differently. 

Part 4: Community 

A restriction like this doesn’t allow grades to form communities with each other. Students form different grades can form positive relationships and communities through these activities. Not allowing eighth graders to play with other younger students blocks association and interaction between grades. Communities are important to build teamwork and collaboration skills between students. 

Conclusion:

In conclusion, eighth graders shouldn’t be limited because it leads to reduction of exercise and equality. Additionally, we shouldn’t be punished for speaking out, protesting is right that shouldn’t be punished. A restriction for participating in activities for eight graders is absurd and grossly unfair. Please understand the grave impact that this restriction imposed on the eight graders and other students.