The Hinckley-Finlayson school board recently introduced the ban of cell phones.

The school cited "classroom disruptions" as a leading cause for the ban.

The school has not made any concessions for upper classmen or PSEO students, despite being the minority of behavioral issues throughout the school. 

This cell phone ban can be viewed as extreme, as cell phones are not allowed to be on students during passing time, study halls, or lunch. Which is not the case at many schools who enforce some form of cell phone policy. 

This dangerous policy is also a safety concern. Unfortunately, we live in a country where school shootings are not uncommon. As a matter of fact, one has happened very recently in our very own state of Minnesota.  Hinckley-Finlayson Public Schools has taken away the only form of defense a student has against an active shooter: Their cell phone. 

Furthermore, if a cellphone is stolen from the locker of a student, the school WILL NOT reimburse the student due to the malicious policy.

The Hinckley-Finlayson School District, its school board, and its administration should reconsider their decision for punishing those who can use their cell phones as a tool rather than a distraction. 

Thank you for your time in reading this matter.