Pano Perspective: certain clubs

illustration by | DANIELLE ZHANG

PANO PERSPECTIVE

If school sports are back in person, school clubs should be as well

29 out of 30 Panorama staff members agree

Throughout the ever changing process of planning a return to a normal school atmosphere, Ladue sports programs have shut down and reopened, receiving guidance and clearance from administration to practice in person. However, non-athletic clubs have not received the same treatment. While some may be able to meet virtually without losing the ability to complete their activities, clubs such as Viva Voce, Ladudes, theater and robotics rely on in-person meetings to function. Thus, Ladue administration should allow necessary clubs to meet in person.

Numerous restrictions have been put in place surrounding the return to sports, and this allowed for fall sports to complete their season without cancellation. For example, athletes must fill out a survey indicating they have no symptoms in order to enter the building and participate in their sport. The success of fall sports proves the possibility of safe in-person interactions. If clubs receive a plan with as much intricacy as the one given to sports teams, they will not be at a large risk. In fact, clubs present an even smaller risk, as they do not compete against other schools at the same frequency as sports. If masks are worn and safety guidelines are followed, the spread of COVID-19 will be reduced and clubs can meet without endangering their members.

If the school administration does not allow for in-person meetings of clubs but permits sports to compete, it sends a message that athletics are valued more highly than academics. This is a dangerous message to send to the student body, as many students choose to engage in academically-focused events. The school should provide equal opportunities to the entire student body, and this can be achieved with permission for clubs to meet in person.

The benefits of clubs like robotics — which encourages the development of skills useful to students who are interested in computer science or engineering — are meaningful to participants. Colleges are aware of these advantages, and students place themselves in a better position for admission to college with the aid of clubs. In some cases, students may utilize the skills they learn in their clubs to apply for and receive a scholarship to college.

It stands to reason that if sports are deemed safe enough to return, clubs should follow suit. They should receive the same treatment as sports, and their members deserve an opportunity to participate fully in the activities they enjoy. It is imperative that the administration works to create a safe plan for the return of clubs. p

Editorial Note: Each editorial, Panorama selects an issue that the staff thinks is important to address and expresses a view that belongs to the majority of the staff. Panorama welcomes the opinions of its readers, and encourages letters to the editors. Please bring signed letters to room 1311 or email Panorama at publications01@ladueschools.net. Panorama reserves the right to revise submissions for length as long as original intent remains unaltered. 14 OPINIONS SPREAD DESIGN BY CAROLINE EDGAR | KANISHK SHANMUGAM