Throughout our lives, we as students have had democracy hammered into our heads. We hear of how Russia is becoming less democratic and less free, and how China is ruled as an autocracy that oppresses its people. Yet we don’t get much of a democratic experience in our daily school life.

The executive decisions made in the name of punishment and policy are left solely in the hands of the administrators. While they are doing a fine job of running the school, us students are left feeling like we have no say. High school is supposed to prepare us for the real world, yet for the first 18 years of our lives we live in a dictatorship that decides how and when we work, and punishes or incentivizes us to do things. This doesn’t seem right or fair, and in terms of new technology, such as picture phones and cell phones in general, that the school has to legislate into new policy, many of the students might have more experience using and knowing the limits of such technology.

I am not proposing that the entire student body, from 7th grade up completely take over how this school is run. Many would make immature decisions, and as far as punishment, many would be  biased. However, if we had more of a say in how we are governed, the school could only benefit. If the student council were given actual power, and were able to judge students in certain cases, or were able to legislate some sort of potential policy that the administration might consider, the administration could take advantage of the creativity of our student body, as well as the closer link this would forge with the average student. This would lead to an enriched and unique experience that could help pave the way for a national movement to help take back the schools for the student.