In this unit, Antithesis, we discussed the contradictions in the US constitution and its amendments. We had the opportunity to go to immigration court and see many cases introduced. This brought the question "what makes a person illegal? What line do they have to cross to go to a detention center?" We also watched the documentary 13th which brought up even more questions for us. Our final FE and my favorite was our meeting with state's lawyer Latoya Hughes and Connie Jordan. We discussed many pressing issues and had our questions from 13th answered. For this action project, we were asked to make an amendment to our school's student and family handbook. I decided to amend a rule that many students find unjust and that brings on a very heated discussion at our school's morning meetings. I hope you enjoy.
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| TN "Sick at School" 2020 |
Excuse Me!
GCE's Student and Family Handbook states, "The first of our four commitments is that we will Be Present. It is critical that students attend their obligations whenever reasonably possible. We recognize that some circumstances require that students prioritize their obligations and compel difficult decisions. There are times that we recommend student absence, including cases of student illness, family emergency, and remarkable opportunities. Nevertheless, every absence precludes a student’s full participation in the program at GCE and has consequences for the student’s peers.
We worry that the language of “excused” absence trivializes students’ attendance. Certainly, there are absences consequent to illness or family emergency that recommend our forbearance. Additionally, there are planned absences, as for a college visit, athletic contest, or medical appointment. Other absences may be unplanned or unexplained. In every case, parents are notified. GCE keeps notes regarding the occasion of student absences, which notes may inform relevant disciplinary or academic proceedings."
This rule is unjust because there is a difference between skipping school and missing. After all, you are physically or mentally ill. On the contrary, not excusing an absence trivializes mental illness and mental health days that are extremely necessary for the well being of a student.
EVIDENCE
A student that I interviewed expressed her anxieties about getting sick with the recent pandemic being announced. Her main anxiety was that she would have to miss school since she has been sick many times already. This feeling spans the student body as shown by the many students showing up to school sick in fear of being against the student handbook.
COMPARISON
My amendment is very close to the 14th amendment that states "No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law."
This relates to my amendment because my amendment applies to students having the right to miss school when they are sick.
SYLLOGISM
GCE's argumentPremise 1 the language of excused absences trivializes a students attendance
Premise 2 each absence is equal in the way that it affects the student's attendance
Conclusion GCE should not designate the difference between unexcused and excused absences on a student's transcript.
My Argument
Premise 1 Students who have responsibilities or problems at home are being misrepresented
Premise 2 there is no indication between truancy and a "real" reason that they are not in school.
Premise 2 there is no indication between truancy and a "real" reason that they are not in school.
Premise 3 Students who are ill feel pressured into coming to school this either creates more sickness or a student who is not mentally present anyway.
Premise 4 students who are sick take on the identity of a mentally or physically ill person
Conclusion If a student can communicate a sensible reason that they are not in school the absence should be marked excused
Peer Approval
Apposing quote from BA: "Colleges don't really look at the difference between unexcused and excused absence"
My response: "Students need the distinction between unexcused and excused absence because they deserve to be validated for much needed days off."
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| SR Signature |
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| NB Signature |
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| SS Signature |
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