For my english class (A Nations Argument), we were given the task of looking through the GCE Code of Conduct (CoC) and picking a rule we wanted to change. This was an amazing task because we are (possibly) going to change our school by adding, changing, or removing something from our CoC. The hardest part for me was trying to connect the U.S. Constitution and the Arab Spring. I’m looking forward to seeing if anyone in my class goes the extra mile to trying to implement the rule, I know I will!
Read the report on what I did below!
GCE Amendment
Insubordination: A student will respect the directions of any staff member. Examples of insubordination include failure to comply with direction or instruction of a staff member, refusal to work in class, refusal of detention, refusal to participate in in-school alternatives, and refusal to report to in-school suspension.
GCE Amendment (my edited version)
Insubordination: A student will respect the directions of any staff member, although they have the right to respectfully discuss the topic at hand. Examples of insubordination include failure to comply with direction or instruction of a staff member, refusal to work in class, refusal of detention, refusal to participate in in-school alternatives, and refusal to report to in-school suspension.
My Argument
I feel that with this new rule it makes our school more democratic. With this rule currently in place, teachers have the right to tell you to do whatever they want without being questioned (if you were to question them, you could get in trouble according to the CoC). With this new rule in place, students have a right to respectfully have a discussion about the topic if they find it to be unfair, ridiculous, etc.
Connection
In Saudi Arabia citizens are too scared to speak their mind or share their opinion because they can be thrown in jail, or killed. Our case isn’t nearly as terrifying, but not being able to share our opinion is a huge problem.
Why This Rule is Needed
With this rule in place (for example), Tim could tell us to sit outside in the cold for thirty minutes while he takes a nap. If any students were to say no, or to try and convince him otherwise you would be breaking a rule in the CoC.
Life with the amendment
With this amendment in place in the GCE Code of Conduct, students know that they are able to have a conversation with a teacher if a disagreement takes place without any repercussions.