Schools Amendment

In our second unit of the course Argument, we studied the checks and balances in the U.S. Constitution and the Dred Scott supreme court case. We also had many discussions on how the Constitution affects us now and what issues are going on in our world. We also studied inductive and deductive reasoning, valid and invalid arguments, sound argument and unsound argument. We learned about logical fallacies, including Black & White, No True Scotsman, Ad Hominem, Straw Man, Authority. For our action project, we had to read the school’s Code of Conduct and address a flaw, injustice or rule that could be improved or added. Once we chose one, we made our own amendment to it. I chose a part in the Code of Conduct about after-school activities where it doesn’t say that students must leave campus by 5:00 p.m. In the Code of Conduct it just says that students are allowed to stay after school. During this project I had difficulties recreating my argument in the way that gets my point across, but I learned how to craft a formal argument.

                   Nyan Lin Cho. Singapore Parkour Free Running | JC Boy Late for School. 2013.

The GCE Code of Conduct states, “Students are subject to conditions of the Code of Conduct while attending and participating in after-school student activities and events. Regulations outlined in the Code of Conduct apply at all after-school activities and events. Students waiting for a ride should meet their ride at the school's designated student drop-off/pick-up location. If the Director or school personnel determines that the student's presence at any after-school activity creates a continuing danger to persons or property or creates an ongoing threat of disruption, the student may be removed from the activity immediately.” This rule is unjust because it doesn’t provide a time where students have to leave campus and when the activities are over, yet every day students are told that they have to leave campus by 5:00 p.m. Some students are able to leave right away because they take public transportation, but others wait for rides. Sometime parents run late or there are delays in travel. I disagree with students having to leave at 5:00 p.m because what if the student doesn’t feel comfortable going out wandering the street until they get picked up, especially when it’s winter and it’s very cold. This rule doesn't specify what time students have to leave campus, so staff should not tell students to leave when there is not a policy saying these students must leave school.

As it is currently written in the Code of Conduct, the rule is:

    P1: Students are expected to follow the GCE Code of Conduct during school hours.

    P2: GCE offers after-school activities to students each school day.

    P3: Some students participate in after-school activities and events.

    C: Students can remain on campus after school for activities and events, if they follow the GCE       Code of Conduct.

This rule should not apply when students don’t have an option and need a familiar, safe place to stay, when waiting for a ride, which is not an after-school event or activity. Students should be able to stay on campus for a reasonable time if they need to, especially if they are waiting for transportation, studying, doing homework, participating in after-school clubs or have meetings. If students are on campus and following the CoC, they should not be told to leave just because it’s 5:00 p.m. This is not in the current CoC and should be extended (and made clear) for students who require extra time after school.

I have proposed an amendment to the current rule, which is written as a formal argument below:

    P1:Some GCE students don’t have internet access once they leave school.

    P2: Some students need a safe and familiar location to be picked up by parents/guardians, who cannot always arrive before 5:00 p.m.

    P3: Some students have meetings, sports and clubs after-school.

    C: When following all of the rules, students should be allowed to remain on campus daily past 5:00 p.m.

Something similar to my amendment is like a situation where someone is singing for a long time in a recording studio. The conditions are warm temperature, no wind and proper treatment for singing. Then the owner of the recording studio asks that person to leave right when they finish instead of giving the performer the chance to cool down their vocal chords and physically prepare their warm body to face the outside temperature. If the singer doesn’t take that precaution they can be negative consequences.

In result of my amendment life will change at GCE Lab School by allowing students to stay at school for a reasonable time like 7:00 p.m. Students would not be told they have to leave and they can stay to do whatever they need to do that will help them in school. Also they can wait until their parents/guardians pick them up so they won’t have to go somewhere alone and unfamiliar.

My amendment relates to the first amendment of the U.S. Constitution the most because the first amendment allows the public to protest peacefully about something they don’t agree with and prohibits the government to interfere. In terms of the CoC we students are protesting to improve this rule, so many of us can benefit from it. Also so the Code of COnduct will be more clear, there won’t be any contradictions to it and if a student stays past 5pm, they are not breaking the CoC. My amendment demonstrates true citizenship by following the obligations and duties that the Code of Conduct requires.

As I propose this change to the Code of Conduct, I have students agreeing with me. For example a classmate said"

“I agree highly with this idea/revision, because I have been, many times, kicked out and had to tell my parents last minute to pick me somewhere else. Also, I can see how maybe the fact that their is no one watching us from the staff, but I believe we are old enough to take responsibility for our actions.” - NVA

I believe that the the administration should revise this rule. Implementing this rule will show students that they have a voice in creating school rules. Also it will create a better environment for students. It can also improve students’ grades because they will have time to do work and get feedback. Another thing is that not all staff leaves at 5:00 p.m, so when the last staff leaves then students can leave too. I am asking that if the staff also follow what is in the Code of Conduct and not add anything or do anything that is not mentioned.

    P1: Students will be able to finish their hw before they go home.

    P2: Students will be able to stay in a safe place until their parents pick them up.P3: Students will be able to enjoy their after-school activities without worrying that they have to leave early.