Where is the line that separates inmates and students? Schools and penitentiaries?
In many New York City High Schools, specifically Cardozo, there has been a long-time rule referred to as the “10-minute rule.” This rule establishes that there are no passes given out during the first 10 minutes of class and the last 10 minutes of class. This means no bathroom trips or grab-and-go trips are permitted.
Despite students having specific needs, such as those who are on their period or individuals who have to use the bathroom after drinking too much water, still must wait the notorious 10 minutes before they leave with a hall pass.
I personally feel that this rule is a ridiculous rule that resembles one of a jail house.
Perhaps the rule is set in place to prevent the amount of skipping throughout passing periods. However, not everyone skips classes because not everyone is in that crowd of students. Some people are genuinely trying to quickly use the bathroom before class, so that they miss less instructional time.
Making everyone suffer for the wrongdoings of a small percentage of the school’s demographic is unfair. Not allowing students to exercise their right to the bathroom and forcing them to wait is inhumane.
An undeserving student wouldn’t receive the praise and accolades of a student who earned it. Why should a student who hasn’t disobeyed the rules suffer someone else’s consequences?
It’s well known that most students at Cardozo participate in rigorous courses — classes and courses that are rapid. Not being able to go to the bathroom during passing puts students in the dilemma of having to choose between the bathroom or class. Taking a trip to the bathroom in the middle of class risks missing important information.
Who wants to be behind in instruction when every piece of information is crucial to your success in the class? And, why should students choose between their given rights and their education? Why not have both?
In addition, deans stand by entries of bathrooms waiting eagerly for you to take as minimal time as possible to get back to class. For some students, the bathroom is the only brief break that they get in between back to back classes, as many students no longer have lunch periods. Who does it benefit to cut down the times?
Reasonably, I understand that in every establishment there are rules. In administrative lenses, I empathize with the desperateness to ensure that students are present in classes. However, there’s definitely room for reform and there is definitely a better solution that satisfies both parties needs for the ongoing problem at hand.
