Mandatory Volunteerism Update
The mandatory volunteerism proposal was defeated at the 1-14-99 SDMT meeting. Opposition to the proposal was bolstered by significant support from the Math, Science, and English departments. The proposal's defeat only means that it won't be considered again this year. Because our Administration operates much like the Communist system of "democracy," that is, where votes are held again and again until the powers that be get the result that they want, we will most likely face a similar proposal next year. The extensive student input was quite helpful, and I thank everyone who signed the petition against the proposal. Although I was unable to attend the entire meeting, I was later informed that almost all of the teachers present appreciated the broad student input from the Junior Class, although the Administration was notably unappreciative. Largo later made it quite clear that he does not value student input by referring to the petition as "whining" about "my rights." Not only is Largo's disdain for student input disturbing, but his apparently cavalier attitude toward our rights is quite troubling. Our inherent rights are essential for our society and for our personal protection. Rights should be held in high esteem, not considered an inconvenience for the latest fad to which the administration subscribes.