Many students have trouble concentrating in class and need music to block out the sound, or just want to relax to some songs in their free time. However, FCPS has thought it necessary to block Spotify, the main website students use to listen to music. This is unfair for many reasons, which will be expanded on below.

There are many students who can't concentrate in class due to the noise of their classmates, or just need background noise to focus. With Spotify blocked, it's very difficult for these students to be able to be able to efficiently do their school work or pay attention in class.

During free time, students should be allowed to choose an activity to do that is right for them, which for some is listening to music. However, they will be deprived of this when they find out Spotify is blocked and have to sit in silence.

You may argue that Spotify is distracting to students and impairs their learning ability, but it actually makes it easier to focus and can help people concentrate. Here are some statements from students in FCPS that frequently use Spotify:

"I have sensory issues and find it very difficult to concentrate in class without music to block out the noise. Now that Spotify is blocked, class is much more difficult for me and I can't do nearly as well on my schoolwork." -Fiona Mulcahy

"Spotify helped me complete my work faster because listening to music increases my work effort. It really makes me sad that I am unable to listen to music anymore." -Anonymous

"Listening to music helps me focus and now it's blocked for no reason." -Colben Krzos

"During WIN Time, I like to listen to music when I have all my work done to relax. But now I can't." -Anonymous

If FCPS were to unblock Spotify, students all across the county would be able to relax and do their work. Blocking it has caused more problems than it solves, and it needs to be fixed.