On April 14th, every student at LCMS got a surprise when they entered the school campus that morning. For many days, and even weeks, students had been noticing red lines being painted on the courtyard, though no one knew what they were for. Then, one morning, there was an announcement on the speakers that each student had to stay within the small red lines before school started. No one said how long or why. So what is the actual reason for this new rule?
For many months, even from the beginning of the school year, principal Dr. Laudani had been seeing students crowd the building doorways and stand on the stairs before the bell rings. She said when asked about the new dividing lines in the school, “We decided to add the red lines to give students a visual” of what the guidelines are before the bell rings each morning.
Though this new rule was meant to promote the safety of the school and students, many Panthers have gotten irritated by the new guideline. Seventh grader, Own Vargas, noticed a surprising uprising of his fellow students, and started a petition to change the rule.
“While this new rule does yield some benefits, it also makes it harder to get into the buildings when the bell rings. People start flooding the stairs and doors, and it will only take someone getting shoved the wrong way before someone else throws punches and starts a fight,” Owen said.
Starting his petition on April 16th, two days after the rule was put in place, word about it immediately started to spread through the whole school. Over 130 students have signed it so far, and the number continues to grow each day.
“I wanted Dr. Laudani to see the petition and know what the school and I are trying to do,” Owen said.
So far, the administration and Dr. Laudani have said that the rule will be permanent and another way for all Panthers to practice safety around the school campus. Now, even before school starts, each and every student can stay safe, even though they are bundled together.
Still, the question stands: will Owen Vargas’ petition spark a difference in the rule, or will it continue to stand?
