Anyway, one of the topics we discussed was the Oregon teacher fighting for her rights to carry a gun into her school. On first hearing this, I thought to myself: "Where exactly does she teach!?" I know public schools have gotten bad in some places, but really! After a little Googling, I found out she was protecting herself from her ex-husband, and not the students. While this was slightly more reassuring, the idea behind the issue is still an unnerving one. What happens when constitutional rights and school policies collide? It makes an interesting debate.
Like most schools, we have several student organizations, like Math Club, Yearbook, Chess Club, and Bible Club. Recently at a student assembly, the administrator opened up the floor to questions. (This was a gi-normous 
mistake in my opinion as immediately 37 sixth graders raised their hands for every sort of question. But he's new; he'll learn.) Someone asked about starting a book club. Then another student thought up another club. And another. And another. Thankfully the AP ended the torture after four or five more by suggesting they find a teacher sponsor first who could bring the idea to the admins. But it brought up a question along the same lines as the gun issue: could a student, under the peaceable assembly part of the First Amendment, start any kind of student organization? The issue is right around the corner, I'm sure.
mistake in my opinion as immediately 37 sixth graders raised their hands for every sort of question. But he's new; he'll learn.) Someone asked about starting a book club. Then another student thought up another club. And another. And another. Thankfully the AP ended the torture after four or five more by suggesting they find a teacher sponsor first who could bring the idea to the admins. But it brought up a question along the same lines as the gun issue: could a student, under the peaceable assembly part of the First Amendment, start any kind of student organization? The issue is right around the corner, I'm sure. Teachery tool #2: If one of your students would like to start a student organization that you feel really isn't a good idea given the time of year, student interest, etc, don't be the bad guy and tell them no! Instead, suggest they write a survey about the idea and give it to the members of their class. This way they can see the democratic process in action, and feel like they have some control over it. Chances are that's all they really wanted anyway and will lose interest in the idea if it's not heavily supported.
Question: What clubs were you involved in during school? What clubs would you have started? OR Do you think there are laws in place in the "real world" that shouldn't apply in a public school?
1 comment:
You know, just the other day I was thinking that it sure would make me feel safer if I was packing heat. Some of these kids look dangerous these days! And it's the normal-looking ones you really have to watch out for...
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