I'm a student within the Russian School of Mathematics (RSM) and I'm personally tired of being surrounded by undue pressure and unfair rules. We're handed unreasonable amounts of homework, stunting our freedom and creativity. But the issue goes beyond instructional strategies; it's also about respect and understanding. Laughing, a natural reaction, often gets people sent out of the classroom. This, I believe, is a gross violation of our right to free expression.

In the United States, it is estimated that high school students are given about 17.5 hours of homework per week (TIME, 2014). However, in RSM, the homework pressure seems to be significantly higher. This not only discourages learning but also induces unnecessary stress in students.

Furthermore, the First Amendment of the United States Constitution upholds the right to free expression. Yet, within the RSM, it seems like our laughter, a form of expression, is being unfairly suppressed.

We need to address these issues. We demand that RSM reevaluates its teaching strategies, reduces the burden of homework, and provides a more respectful and understanding environment. Above all, our freedom of speech should be respected and nurtured, not suppressed.

Now is the time for change. Please sign this petition to support our call for a better learning environment in RSM.