There is a plague at this school, where students feel they are entitled to utilize the school’s facilities for themselves, specifically when students feel they can freely vape in the school lavatories without worry of being caught. In fact, it almost seems to students as though proctors and administration are actively turning a blind eye to this toilet tumult. Students, such as myself, are tired; however, complaining without a solution is just whining, so I modestly propose a student smoking section.
Claremont High School (the new campus) was built in the 1950s and therefore already has the infrastructure needed for a student smoking section. What infrastructure? The senior quad was actually the old student smoking section, and the teachers’ patio was the teachers’ smoking section! The student body has been looking for something to do with the senior quad for some time, and this is the perfect solution. A new student smoking section would be beneficial in three key ways.
The first reason is that it would put the currently deserted senior quad to good use, providing an amazing opportunity for the MYP/IB crowds who want an impactful and long-lasting project. This once and for all ends the discussion of “what to do with the senior quad” and the seemingly endless annoyances and polls that derive from that question.
The second key reason—and perhaps the most important reason—to implement this plan is that it will preserve the integrity of the CHS lavatories. No longer must students brave the clouds of smoke, push past the circles of loitering students, or bear the closure of the refuge during lunchtime. Nor must the vapers and smokers deal with kids pooping in the vaping room anymore. This solution really is utilitarian!
The third and final reason for the implementation of my solution is that it will likely decrease the number of students who smoke or vape on campus by exposing them to the gaze of anybody walking by. Students may no longer hide from the judgmental eyes of their peers, possibly leading them to refrain from the activity.
With all of these benefits and virtually no drawbacks, this plan must be implemented for the betterment of the student experience, the student body, and the students’ peace of mind!
