Backgrounds are disabled on many, if not all Woonsocket School District laptops, and replaced with a "What are we learning?" wallpaper, that, isn't even HD or 720p quality. Many of us would like to customize our laptops, making it "ours". 

In the past, the school department had also tried to force profile pictures upon the students. This failed a few days after, as teachers could not identify who was who on google meets. 

Why should backgrounds be allowed? 

Well, as I had said above, the wallpapers mandated on us is not good quality. It has poor writing on it and outdated pictures. It doesn't allow students to express themselves how they want. Having a customized wallpaper should be allowed, so long as it is considered "appropriate". This also helps students identify who's chromebook is who's, as typically, students leave their chromebooks unlocked so they're ready to learn. From the outside, every chromebook looks the same. 

What if people abuse this privilege?

At that point, you can disable that individual's ability to change their wallpaper, instead of punishing every student in the district who is considered "innocent" in this position.

One student said, "It feel's like we're being trapped within our own chromebooks."

Another said, "I would like to personalize my chromebook with cars because that is my personal interest."

If kids were able to express themselves via their chromebooks, it could possibly boost their morale and make them more motivated to get work done.