Back to school protests: Opinion

There has recently been an outcry of students wishing to go back to school in person. A protest regarding this request took place on October 23rd at Grants Pass High School. Many students have communicated about how they feel unmotivated about online classes, and simply just do not want to have to deal with online school in general. Of course, all students and many teachers alike have their own issues with online classes and it is something we can all convey a great deal of empathy with for each other. However, it is not something that we can just decide we are bored of and try and move on. This is a pandemic. This is not a trend or a fad. People are dying, and there are precautions we can take in order to slow the spread. It is fair to say that wearing a mask and distancing ourselves from one another are easy tasks to accomplish. Nonetheless, this seems to be an extensively large argument amongst people and, obviously, going to school it would be difficult to distance 2,000 or so students from each other. It just is not safe.

With more regards to the protest happening at GPHS, there have been a couple of students who have been interviewed with their thoughts and feelings towards this protest. Abe Selvas, a junior at Grants Pass High School says that he “understands that some people during this time have it more difficult than others, but it is not a reason to jump up to such a high action instead of adapting to this new program.” He has also indicated that “this protest could push back the opening of the school further.” The opening of the school is controlled by the state, and not by the school itself. Although it is important to make your voice heard, especially as a young adult, it is hard to comprehend why these students would try and protest for something that our school does not actually have any guidance over themselves. Another junior at Grants Pass High School, Kenneth Ogren, said that he thinks the protests “voice an opinion of those in the community which, in turn, can invoke a change in policy.” This is excellent input but, once again, this protest will not do anything in terms of changing any policies as the decisions are all made by the state. If it is something certain youth of this town believe in doing, they very well can.

It is completely understandable and encouraging to see the passion that these young students have, but it is also significant to understand the state of the world and the rules and regulations that are in place before making your voice heard under these circumstances. If there are any students going to this particular protest who are 18 and eligible to vote, please vote. Voting is a way more efficient way for young adults to make their voices heard and make a difference. If you are a student going to this protest and you are under 18, encourage your parents to vote or any friends or family to vote if they are over 18. This is important.

Please remember that this is a pandemic. It is not fake. It is not a conspiracy. It is real and it is still happening. The pandemic will not go away if we continue to spread it by not wearing a mask properly or not distancing ourselves from others. Wear a mask (properly), wash your hands, and please stay safe. (And vote if you can)