Everyone can agree that security is an issue for schools, especially considering the numerous school shootings in the past few years. However, it is seems equally apparent that a recently changed VHS policy is not attacking this problem the right way.

Recently, VHS administration has created a new policy forcing seniors to show their student picture ID’s before being allowed back into school after out to lunch. In theory, this may be a good idea, but the reality is VHS is a school of about six-hundred students where everyone knows everyone. Especially after four years, teachers know many if not all of the seniors by sight.  Yet with this new policy, VHS seniors now have to present their ID at the door to teachers who have most likely taught these students in at least one class. Why should we have to show an ID of ourselves to teachers who already know us?

It is true that on every college campus, students have to present their ID before being let into buildings. When going to the cafeteria, students are forced to slide their ID, which also controls their meal points. In the library, materials can be borrowed using an ID card.  Over the summer, I attended a summer program at Boston University for two weeks. While there, I had to keep my ID with me at all times, having to show it to security officers before being allowed into the dorms and presenting it to be allowed into the cafeteria. Without my ID, I could go almost nowhere.  This is a good and necessary idea to make campuses safer.

If VHS wants to truly make the school safer, it should barcode our ID cards and then enforce a policy such as the one colleges use. If students had to slide their ID before going into the bathroom, it would curb bathroom vandalism. If students all have to slide their ID’s, to enter the building or certain parts of it, it will make it much easier to account for students, which will help protect students. If the school atmosphere was like this, students would become accustomed to keeping their ID with them at all times.  Not having an ID would not be an issue.

If VHS administration truly wants to keep their students safe, they should enforce a logical policy like this one, rather than showing a flimsy ID to a teacher who likely already knows you, your siblings, and your parents.