Column sorship

BY JOSHUA HEDGES [editor-in-chief]

With the rise in education reform throughout our country, we are seeing a new wave of regulation being put on our teachers and school libraries. While I agree that schools should maintain a neutral view on most things, the recent legislation from various states seems to compel schools into self-censorship of their instruction and books in a way that impedes the flow of ideas. This is not because these laws are restricting common teaching practice but are instead putting more liability on the schools to more closely watch their teachers and librarians, forcing them to tip-toe around subjects to avoid confrontation.

This could pose a problem for many subjects, especially for social studies classes where teachers grapple with intricacies of historical powers and how to create lessons where students understand both sides, but not all sides of history can be described neutrally. Laws like Florida’s Individual Freedom Act, also known as the Stop W.O.K.E. Act, miss this point as it threatens those teaching sensitive topics such as the Holocaust and slavery if they influence a student’s interpretation through a “non-objective” lesson. No one is able to present entirely without bias and neither can a teacher entirely control the message a student gets out of their lecture.

Similarly, many contested books describe scenes that, while appearing inappropriate when read on their own, actually have a deeper intended meaning with more context. John Green’s Looking for Alaska is one example that often gets banned for its sexual content, but the author himself has said that the scene takes up only one page being described in a more clinical language which is ultimately meant to be contrasted with “a much more sensually described and passionate but much less sexually explicit [kiss].” If parents truly want the best for their children at school, they should do their best to meet with administration and teachers to understand the other side of education they do not see everyday.

Quote from vlogbrothers Youtube video titled On the Banning of Looking for Alaska

Should we Keep Daylight Savings Time?

Pro:

Daylight Savings Time helps agriculture, encourages healthfull living

BY AVERY MOORE [support staff]

Daylight Savings Time (DST) is great for the agricultural economy, drops crime rates, increases safety, and helps to create healthier lifestyles for people all around the globe.

DST gives a greater number of sunlight hours leading to a higher supply of the agricultural products that will later be sold after the harvesting season. This allows farmers to not only increase their own quality of life but also the quality of the economy as a whole.

Additionally, DST leads to a healthier lifestyle. An increased amount of sunlight leads to more people being outside and enjoying the world around them, which is extremely beneficial to both their mental and physical health. With this, how could one dispute the benefits of DST?

DST is full of positive impacts of both economic and social standpoints. It has become an integral part of the economy and greatly increases the health of people all around the world.

Con:

Daylight Savings Time is outdated, an unneeded practice

BY ASHLEY JOHNSON [support staff]

Daylight Savings Time (DST) is outdated, and it is unnecessary to lose sleep and productivity rates just for a brighter morning or night.

In the 1970’s, DST was in question to be permanent to conserve energy during the oil crisis. Now it seems that the point is to throw off our circadian rhythm. Changing sleeping patterns, even by just one hour, can have negative effects on your health. Studies show that on the Monday and Tuesday after DST, there is a 10% increase in heart attacks worldwide.

The Monday after DST is called Sleepy Monday for being one of the most sleep deprived days of the year. Many students and working adults are already exhausted from waking up early and having long work days, and messing up your sleep schedule can have detrimental effects on your ability to do work the next day.

While the US Congress is debating whether or not to end DST permanently, I think that it should be removed.

Their View

“You get more daylight. Sometimes we gain an hour of sleep. I like when it’s light out longer because I can do more stuff throughout the day.”

“I feel like it serves no real purpose. It causes issues with employment because people come in late because they have such difficulty waking up.”