At James Monroe High School, we believe that our voices deserve to be heard and our rights respected. Unfortunately, the current school policies are both restrictive and unfair, leaving students feeling controlled rather than supported. This petition calls on our administration to review and reform the rules that are failing to address our needs and compromising our well-being.

 

Limiting Bathroom Breaks

One of the most pressing issues is the policy that restricts students to only five bathroom breaks per quarter. This rule fails to take into account the needs of female students who require more flexibility due to menstrual health concerns. It is unjust to expect students to ‘hold it’ or risk punishment for natural and necessary bodily functions. Students deserve the respect and autonomy to use the restroom as needed.

 

Invasive Cell Phone Searches

Under the current cell phone policy, if one phone is confiscated, administrators are allowed to search every student in the class. This is not just invasive; it is a violation of our privacy rights. We understand the need to maintain focus in the classroom, but this blanket policy treats all students as guilty until proven innocent. We need a fair and respectful approach to cell phone management that does not undermine our rights.

 

Misallocation of Funds

Taxpayer money should be spent on measures that genuinely enhance student safety, not on Yondr pouches that serve only to control us. In a world where school shootings are a very real threat, our funds should prioritize safety and protection. These restrictive policies do little to keep us safe from real dangers and instead leave us vulnerable while focusing on the wrong priorities.

 

Lack of Safety Measures

In the unfortunate event of a school shooting, our school’s policies leave us unprepared and at risk. We should not have to worry about lining up to call our parents to say goodbye in an emergency. Our safety protocols need a serious overhaul to ensure that every student can feel secure and protected at school.

 

Our Demands

We, the students of James Monroe High School, are calling for immediate changes to policies that are punitive, outdated, and fail to consider our needs. Specifically, we demand:

 

 1. An end to restrictive bathroom policies that disregard student health.

 2. Revisions to the cell phone policy to respect student privacy and dignity.

 3. Allocation of funds towards meaningful safety measures rather than control-focused devices like Yondr pouches.

 4. A commitment to prioritize student safety above all else.

 

Our voices matter, and we refuse to accept policies that diminish our rights and jeopardize our well-being. By signing this petition, you join us in calling for a fair and supportive learning environment at James Monroe High School.