Student’s hate these new ID rules

Enrique Eguiguren, Biggest of Bois

(Photo credit to wikipedia)

As the new rule that all students must wear their ID at all times during the school day has been implemented, backlash has been harsh and swift. The rule was already in place but is only recently being enforced, and is part of attempts to keep the school safe. The upcoming active shooter drill is just one example along with the new rule to avoid a tragedy.

 

There is much to be said about the fact that we even have active shooter drills, and the consequences of newer, tighter restrictions in schools in response to shooters. There seems to be unilateral support against active shooter drills, with people from Colleen Derkatch, an associate professor at Ryerson University in Toronto, to the very pro-gun president of the United States, all agreeing that exposing children, especially young children, to this kind of behaviour and drill may have unforeseen long term psychological effects. It is important to understand that this type of drill has only been around since Columbine about two decades ago, which is far too short to be able to measure the psychological effects, especially with this recent spotlight placed on an increased number of shootings.

 

I remember a few years back when a senior from the class of ‘16 responded to two school shootings in my drama class that “luckily only one person died.” I understand her sentiment, but it is also deeply disturbing that that is the bar in America.

 

This goes back to the ID in that the ID’s are another example of this backlash to shootings. But it is not one that seems particularly effective. As Khadijat Durojaiye ‘18 said “this seems kinda pointless… even if there was a shooter, they could still probably get in the school, and if someone tried to stop them, they still have a gun.” These concerns, along with the general inconvenience of the rule, has made many feel that it is reactionary and overkill.