As students of Plano West Senior High, in Plano, Texas, we demand accountability and fairness in how school policies are enforced.

Recently, students have faced disciplinary action, including in-school suspension (ISS), write ups, device confiscation, for using non-communication devices like MP3 players, e-book readers, or digital cameras. These are NOT covered under Texas House Bill 1481, or Plano ISD's own telecommunication devices policy. 

According to HB1481

This law specifically targets phones and other wireless telecom tools, such as cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, personal laptops, wireless headphones. Not offline devices like music players, wired headphones, e-book readers, digital cameras, etc. Plano ISD's policy mirrors the law, explicitly banning telecommunications devices, not all electronics.

However, students are still being punished for:

Listening to music/utilizing wired headphones 
Using an e-book 
Wearing a digital watch
Possessing a digital camera or MP3 player

Even if these are used during non-instructional time like passing periods or lunch. 

What’s even worse is the lack of transparency and communication. 

These rules were never clearly or explicitly communicated to students. Instead of addressing concerns directly, staff are instructed to quietly submit student names into a disciplinary review system (review360), without conversation, context, or explanation. We believe this is a misuse of power and a complete lack of transparency.

This isn't rebellion, but a demand for reform. 

My experience:

I’m writing anonymously, not just for myself, but other students across PISD and Texas who’s been unfairly punished under vague, inconsistently enforced school policies.

Recently, I received an in-school suspension (ISS) for using a non-telecommunication device that doesn't violate HB1481, nor any clearly stated school or district policy. There was no warning, no explanation, and no opportunity to defend myself. When I respectfully brought up HB1481 and how I interpreted the rules based on what I was told, I was shut down and power-tripped by an assistant principal.

The assistant principals responsible for enforcing these rules acted negligently. Their failure to provide clarity has real consequences: I now may have a disciplinary record that could affect my college apps, not because of any misconduct, but because of administrative overreach. 

This isn't just about one student or one incident. It’s about a pattern of vague enforcement that:

1. Undermines trust between students and staff
2. Limits student freedoms
3. Risks educational futures or quality of education 

Just four disciplinary strikes, no matter how minor, can result in:

1. Alternative school/special programs placement
2. Referrals to juvenile authorities
3. Long term harm to a student’s academic record

This isn’t discipline. It’s a pipeline. 

We aren't rebelling, but we're asking for clarity, fairness, and common sense. 

The current system treats harmless behavior like criminal activity and is now designed to push students out of traditional education environments, over misunderstandings, unclear expectations, inconsistent enforcement. We believe students deserve support, not surveillance. Guidance, not punishment. 

We demand:

1. Clear written definitions of which devices are prohibited/why
2. Formal communication to students 
3. The right to use non-communication devices not banned by law
4. Fair and consistent enforcement across students and staff
5. Review/removal of unjust write-ups from student records
6. Respect for student voices and accommodations under 504/IEP plans

In addition, if "personal devices" are truly a distraction, accountability SHOULD apply to all, teachers and staff included. Their own device use, and the quality of education they provide should be held to the same degree as the students they supervise. To teachers/staff, please set a good example.

We aren't just protesting vague rules at PWSH or in PISD. We’re standing against a statewide system that:

1. Makes discipline harsher
2. Weakens public schools
3. Silences student voices

We're not criminals for listening to music. We aren't threats for carrying devices that don't even connect to the internet.

If you’re a student, educator, parent, and you believe in fairness, please speak up. Sign this petition, share your story, demand change. Let’s fix this together.

Sincerely,

A student at PWSH

Sources:

“Telecommunication Devices Prohibited during School - Plano Independent School District.” Pisd.edu, 2025, www.pisd.edu/students-families-a6/telecommunication-devices-prohibited-during-school Accessed 26 Aug. 2025.

Texas Legislature. House Bill 1481, 89th Legislature, Introduced Version. Capitol.Texas.gov, 2025. https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/HB01481I.pdf