Hi everyone, I am a student at an LAUSD school, and today when I opened my favorite music website I was presented with that horrible blue screen and lock as many of us have seen. I was genuinely devastated when I discovered that LAUSD banned Spotify from school computers, as I use it almost every day. Listening to music on Spotify has always been a crucial outlet for my mental well-being. Music helps me break away from the stresses of daily life and acts as a comforting presence during challenging moments. Especially recently as I have personally been going through a tough time with the piles of schoolwork and my own problems. Unfortunately, LAUSD's decision to ban Spotify on school computers has taken away this valuable resource not only from myself but also from many other students who rely on music for emotional support. 

Music is not merely a pastime—it's therapeutic. Numerous studies, including those from credible institutions like Harvard Health, support the mental health benefits of music. According to the National Institutes of Health, music can reduce anxiety, improve mood, and even enhance focus and productivity. Denying students access to a tool that fosters such positive outcomes seems counterproductive to our mission of education.

By unblocking Spotify, LAUSD would empower students to cultivate a healthier and more productive academic environment. This initiative would line up with the district’s commitment to supporting student mental health, as mentioned in LAUSD’s mission statement and highlighted in programs like LAUSD's Student Mental Health Services. "We will strategically allocate resources to our students and families to ensure that students are celebrated and supported." (lausd.org; core beliefs, paragraph 1)

LAUSD has the opportunity to lead by example, showing that student mental health is a priority even in the digital age. Please support my cause by signing this petition to request the unblocking of Spotify on LAUSD computers. It’s a small change that could make a significant difference in our lives. If you sign this, we have the opportunity to get back our music, sign today and unban Spotify!