Lunchtime at Doherty High School has been a time to look forward to, as lunch is for all school students around the world. However, two years ago, our administration implemented a rule to keep freshmen on campus. This rule has triggered several responses from Doherty freshmen, and even those who are allowed to leave.

When we asked student Jalyn Brown for his opinions, he shared a sentiment we already half expected. “It [is not ideal],” Jalyn states, “I have a free period, and I can’t do anything or leave.” Jalyn expressed discontent with the idea of phones being locked away for lunch, stating, “I’m not going to fiend over my phone or anything, but if something happens, it’s scary.” He also said that the lunchroom is overcrowded during lunch, and that it makes lunch less of a time to relax, and more of a class period.

Some freshmen do not seem to mind the policy about lunch. Student Vanessa Defrates said, “I just don’t care. It’s a bit crowded, but it doesn’t take too long for lunch lines.” Students in schools have been recently adapting and adjusting to the new Yondr pouches, but some students never cared. “Having no phones doesn’t bother me outside of the safety parts,” Defrates said, solidifying the thought that students don’t feel safe with no phones.

We decided to ask the person that made this change, Principal Hillary Hienton, on what her opinion is about freshman not being allowed to leave campus, and she told us, “There were too many fights off campus and students were banned from fast food places because one of the freshman fought one of the managers.” Principal Hilary Hienton also stated that she is very satisfied with her decision, stating, “I feel great about not letting freshman off campus.”

Doherty Spartan freshman are pleading to be able to leave campus, for the most part. Ms. Hienton seems happy with the policy, but most students are still uncontent. Students will keep fighting to be able to leave, but maybe freshmen will always be stuck in the long, loud lines and packed lunchrooms.

What are your thoughts? Feel free to comment on the story and tell us your perspective. Do you think freshmen should be able to leave campus for lunch?