By Lux Sheplee, Staff Writer
The latest news in the media reports that school is being canceled, and not just for a couple of days. While in recent years social media platforms have been used to cancel celebrities, institutions, and organizations, it seemed unlikely that something so secure could fall to the hands of cancel culture.
So why is school being canceled? After talking to River Hill students, an interesting perspective prevailed. Senior David Colmenares stated, “school does not provide equal opportunities to children. Why is it that when I get 70% of the questions right on a math test, I end up with a C in the class instead of an A for the effort I put in?” Students and parents alike are very upset with the grading system, as no participation trophies are rewarded during exams and it is the percentage of correct answers each student earns that determines their grade.
Another factor that went into this denouncement is described by junior James Arthurton, who commented, “there are too many resources available to students that it is overwhelming. Teachers, counselors and administrators are always trying to help and I lose track of who I have gone to for help with different things.” Too much help can lead students to develop dependence. It can also increase anxiety, as so many people being very accommodating can be a lot to handle.
Additionally, sophomore Tanishka Handa has been very unhappy with the school system for several years now. She explains, “there is not an equal acknowledgement of each student at school. Some teachers walk past me in the halls and don’t even say hi, and even though I have never had them, all the staff should still know each student by name.” Parents don’t want their kids to go around feeling unnoticed. Freshman Colton Fansler also expresses feelings of inadequacy at school, describing, “teachers tend to call on the kids who raise their hands in class. If I know the correct answer, how come they don’t call on me?”
Even some teachers are agreeing with school being canceled. Algebra I and AP Statistics teacher, Mr. Hugus, remarks, “five days in a row of school is too draining. While there are wellness half days once a month and days off every other week, being anywhere five days in a row is too much to expect from teachers and students alike.” It is a popular public opinion that schools should decrease their instated times of instruction so that families can have more time spent together, and stress can be more manageable for students.
Cancel culture is used amongst the youth to call out people and institutions who act in unacceptable ways. Schools all around the world have recently been called out for their terrible actions and unfairness to students. Students, parents, and teachers are all outraged and plan to boycott school for however long it may take for these problems to be resolved. Join the movement and don’t go to school this week, and for many weeks ahead!