Student voices heard on lanyard issue

Julianna Ford '18

You’ve heard almost every student talk about the struggle of I.D.’s. Why do we have to wear them? Where do we have to show them? But it doesn’t match my outfit. This year administration decided to change the policy. Students don’t have to wear the I.D.’s around their necks on a lanyard, instead they just need to be visible. It could be attached to a book bag or a shirt instead.

I’ve spoken to a few students about this new rule. Natalie Foderaro ‘18 stated, “Last year I was constantly getting yelled at for not having my I.D. around my neck. When I heard about the new rule I was happy the teachers listened to us.”

It’s easy for students to be overlooked and have their opinions get forgotten at times, so I think the appreciation for the new rule is showing throughout the school. More students wear their I.D.’s and have them on their book bags, which makes it easier for both students and teachers.

If you do not wear your I.D. at Township you will first get a warning. On your second warning, your penalties could include consequences like detentions. Students believe there should be no detentions for not wearing I.D.’s.

Yet there are still holdouts. One student who asked not to be named said, “I don’t think wearing your I.D. should be a rule.”

The student then mentioned her friends at other schools which do not require wearing the I.D.’s.

Other schools that do make the students where identification cards, do not have penalties for not wearing them. The policies are a lot less strict than Washington Township.

Rob Minnick ’17, stated, “I think wearing I.D.’s is pointless. We are all students of the school and it is a safe environment without the need to identify every student” Rosie Rojs ’18, stated, “There are more serious issues for this school than the wearing of I.D.’s, but for some reason that’s all teachers and administration want to focus on.”

I believe our growth with this policy has been seen by many students. Though, some will say we have more growing to do.