Students argue hall pass column takes advantage of paper’s privilege
Dear Editor,
In addressing Anne Kehl’s column “Hall passes turn students from individuals into numbers” in the April 7 issue of the Riptide, we as concerned students would like to thank March Twisdale for her website’s thoughtful response: “Classism: The Secret Bigotry of Affluent Liberal Communities.”
Her article allowed us to be seen and heard.
This column labeled a group of students as untrustworthy, disrespectful and irresponsible: “I knew that the rest of the students at the school are extremely different from this very specific, limited group of students: respectable, credible and trustworthy.”
This column has created a divide within the school and community. It made that “very specific, limited group of students” feel discredited, unequal and unprotected.
Twisdale is correct in stating that this is a learning opportunity. It’s an opportunity for the adults in the school to take responsibility to guide youth in understanding power and privilege.
It’s an opportunity for the student body to become more aware, involved and tolerant. Most important, it is an opportunity for the community to open discussions around what Twisdale calls the “classism” and inequality experienced by many on the island.
Contrary to Kehl’s column, the hall pass policy was not put in place as a result of actions from a specific group of students. According to the administration, the hall pass policy was put in place to address numerous issues.
The hall pass policy is beneficial because it holds students and teachers accountable for student presence within the halls. It has also helped students remain engaged in class and increased communication between staff and youth.
We believe journalists should state facts rather than assumptions, even when writing an opinion piece.
This column degraded students and took advantage of the paper’s privilege and position of power. We ask that the Riptide apologize to those who experienced harm due to the publication of this article.
Sincerely,
Jose Pedro Guerrero-Rivas
Isaac Chamblee
Isabelle Beytebiere