Today's meeting was my first, and I just thought I'd share that which jumped out at me. First impressions and the like. First of all, it seemed like the majority of those in attendance was not only against the security cameras, but also willing to actively protest them, which was definitely a good sign. As Gold Lion alluded to, this group has only scratched the surface of disgruntled, angry, afraid, etc. students whose energy and passion against the current policies would be invaluable to the advancement of this cause. In order that this works, a good number of people need to continue to step forward and help till the fertile soil of disobedience. That being said, what took place with those who did come was certainly good and enlightening.
I won't bore you by recounting everything that was said, but a pervading theme was that some form of protest and/or disruption of the cameras should be strongly considered. Until the cameras are actually installed, however, there is not a lot we can do outside of spreading the word as widely as possible and laying the groundwork for whatever is going to be done. One thing I think we should be on the lookout for is, after the installation of the electronics, if the tune of the administration changes at all. The fact that the students are under surveillance might embolden them to make more threats, rules or further questionable changes, seeing as they will have been given, in their eyes, more freedom to operate and less risk of opposition. If that turns out to be the case, which sounds a reasonable plausible, that would really concern me (granted, the degree to which the administration changes matters).
Another thought that had struck me a couple of weeks ago and kind of resurfaced during the meeting was that of whether or not people who have been outspoken and publicly against Mr. White and his policies, myself included, are taking it too far. One of the main issues others and I have with our principal is that he doesn't give people a chance to raise their voice, express themselves freely and protect their rights. In my opinion, these arguments against him are valid and warrant discussion, criticism, outrage, even blame, albeit properly directed and respectfully. I just wonder if, directly or indirectly, I am inhibiting someone else's views that are in favor of Mr. White. Am I fostering an environment in which anti-Mr. White and anti-cameras sentiments are so loud that they drown out and extinguish the other side? I'm not saying that the PSAS meeting or any other forum I have been involved in is calling for the principal's head or anything, but it does appear as though opposition against him is centralizing, and therefore mounting. As PSAS grows and makes more progress (which I genuinely hope continues), it needs to adhere to the principles and rights it is fighting to keep. Just because Mr. White et al have been circumventing us and due process and the welfare of the student body's freedom of expression and privacy doesn't mean we should. This is not an accusation, even though it may sound like one. If it does, I'm sorry. This is just something I feel strongly about and want to do everything possible to prevent being violated (the "something" as the minority's ability to uphold its views), even if it is a thousand miles away at this point.
But as to the subject after which the name of this post was titled, I felt very positive walking out of JR's room today knowing that, every week or two, students have a place to share their views and find strength in solidarity against this issue. Keep it up!!
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