So, as of today, the Pioneer Students Against Surveillance have been granted club status and all of the privileges that go along with that. We're talking posters, fliers, the whole nine yards.
I guess Mr. White decided it wouldn't look too good if he went to court to protect his right to completely disregard and disrespect students, parents, and the community. Although everyone 'in the know' already knows that's true.
This means that we will absolutely be having a meeting next week (Wednesday). Get your assignments done!
3.26.2008
3.25.2008
Meeting
Maybe a bit of a sparse turnout today at the PSAS meeting, solid nonetheless. Probably about 20-25 people there, with some new faces. Assignments were made for the club's first actions, and Michael Steinberg (from the ACLU) has written a letter telling the administration and the school board (if you're on the PSAS mailing list, you can read the letter in the latest email). Efforts are being made towards organizing a teach-in, and fliers and buttons (!) are being produced.
Additionally, we got to learn a lot about our fellow group members when we went around the room, introduced ourselves, and spoke about why we personally were opposing the cameras. There were a lot of different reasons, which is good. We have a great number more logical reasons than the administration did in pushing for the cameras.
I expect we'll be meeting again next Wednesday, hopefully with a lot of progress made towards our efforts to gain recognition. Hopefully, you'll be there, with a few friends. . .
Additionally, we got to learn a lot about our fellow group members when we went around the room, introduced ourselves, and spoke about why we personally were opposing the cameras. There were a lot of different reasons, which is good. We have a great number more logical reasons than the administration did in pushing for the cameras.
I expect we'll be meeting again next Wednesday, hopefully with a lot of progress made towards our efforts to gain recognition. Hopefully, you'll be there, with a few friends. . .
3.24.2008
PSAS Meeting
Unusual time-there is a Pioneer Students Against Surveillance meeting TOMORROW (Tuesday, March 25). Lunch, Mr. Robert's room.
3.19.2008
PSAS Meeting
Yeah, sorry I haven't been writing. There really hasn't been much to write about. Today, though, there was a PSAS meeting (I had a bit of a lapse and didn't write about it beforehand, so I hope you noticed anyway). We came up with a mission statement, and scheduled another meeting. We have a half-day next Wednesday, so the next meeting will be TUESDAY, MARCH 25 at lunch.
3.17.2008
All News Ain't Bad News
A fellow student told me of his firsthand account with Mr. White in a different light than most Mr. White stories told. He had lost his glasses in the hallway near the end of third hour and was looking for them when a hall monitor told him he should just go to class and look for them at lunch. The student told the hall monitor the faulty logic behind this, that during lunch they would probably be crushed, stolen, or pushed away, and then he continued to look for his glasses. The hall monitor, responding negatively to this called Mr. White. The student explained the situation to Mr. White, and Mr. White responded by helping the Student find his glasses. Eventually they found the glasses under a car. All and all Mr. White seems to be learning how to deal with students and things seem to be getting better.
3.14.2008
Mr. White: This Week
Well, since there hasn't been much news to report recently, and seeing as Mr. White was very active amongst the students today, I felt obligated to write something about our favorite principal. His and our schedules first collided at the assemblies, wherein he seemed determined to make a few changes to the theme. It was no longer a choral cavalcade, but more an exhibition of menacing glares, ominous pacing throughout the auditorium and belligerency. He was very thorough in his proceedings; it seemed as though he was always a step ahead of every text message, cat-caller and rowdy spectator. Unfortunately, he was also a step ahead of quite a few of the performers on account of his antics, genuinely conceived though they might have been. In the end, one could make the argument that his presence did more harm than good to the overall flow and good-naturedness of the assembly.
Later in the day, during sixth period, our paths crossed again. I glanced out the window of the portable I was in and saw him outside reprimanding a student. I saw Mr. White doing something he very commonly does in a place at which he very uncommonly does it. I had never seen him outside, let alone far off in the portables, and for that reason alone do I find it newsworthy (relatively speaking, of course). It reminded me of a Roman Emperor visiting the far off reaches of Gaul or Britannica, the autonomy of the empire, to see how things are going.
On an unrelated note, I've been reading "1984" recently, and noticed a phrase that kept coming up: "the hope lies in the proles." I don't wish to uphold the connection between Mr. White and Big Brother, which lots of people keep making, jokingly or otherwise, and with which I do not agree. I just thought the proletariat of the school - the students - might take comfort in the fact that George Orwell, the conscience of his generation, holds sympathy for you.
Later in the day, during sixth period, our paths crossed again. I glanced out the window of the portable I was in and saw him outside reprimanding a student. I saw Mr. White doing something he very commonly does in a place at which he very uncommonly does it. I had never seen him outside, let alone far off in the portables, and for that reason alone do I find it newsworthy (relatively speaking, of course). It reminded me of a Roman Emperor visiting the far off reaches of Gaul or Britannica, the autonomy of the empire, to see how things are going.
On an unrelated note, I've been reading "1984" recently, and noticed a phrase that kept coming up: "the hope lies in the proles." I don't wish to uphold the connection between Mr. White and Big Brother, which lots of people keep making, jokingly or otherwise, and with which I do not agree. I just thought the proletariat of the school - the students - might take comfort in the fact that George Orwell, the conscience of his generation, holds sympathy for you.
3.10.2008
Dry ice!
So an anonymous student tells me that a dry ice bomb was set off in front of the main offices just before the end of seventh hour on Friday. That can't sit too well with Mr. White. . .I don't have much else to say, besides to wish all the juniors good luck while i sleep in the next three days. Remember, the Michigan Merit Exam doesn't mean anything! Unless you go to a state school, where the scholarship actually applies. Maybe.
3.09.2008
ACLU honors the PSAS
Joshua Kay, the chair of the Washtenaw County ACLU, e-mailed Bennett Stein to inform him that the chapter will be honoring the Pioneer Students Against Surveillance with the 2008 Civil Liberties Champion Award.
The award will be presented at the ACLU's Annual Meeting on Tuesday, April 1. The meeting will run from 7-8:30 PM, with a short presentation beforehand on religious liberty, along with refreshments. The meeting will take place in Room 150 of Hutchins Hall, 625 State St.
If you can attend, either reply to Bennett's email (which was sent out to everyone who is on the mailing list) or send it to pioneer.uncovered@gmail.com, and I'll forward them to Bennett.
Also, this is excellent for our budding little club here. As Mr. Kay said in the email, "the board was unanimous in deciding to give PSAS this award." But our fight is not over. We as a club are just beginning, and we need to keep working hard. . .
The award will be presented at the ACLU's Annual Meeting on Tuesday, April 1. The meeting will run from 7-8:30 PM, with a short presentation beforehand on religious liberty, along with refreshments. The meeting will take place in Room 150 of Hutchins Hall, 625 State St.
If you can attend, either reply to Bennett's email (which was sent out to everyone who is on the mailing list) or send it to pioneer.uncovered@gmail.com, and I'll forward them to Bennett.
Also, this is excellent for our budding little club here. As Mr. Kay said in the email, "the board was unanimous in deciding to give PSAS this award." But our fight is not over. We as a club are just beginning, and we need to keep working hard. . .
3.06.2008
Dud.
Today was pretty much a dead day. Nothing happened. Except Mr. White made an announcement saying people had to have permits on their cars. Scary. Whatever, I have one. Otherwise, it was a pretty dull day. So, sorry, but I don't really have anything to say. I can't believe it, after three days and a snow day, but I'm worn out.
Also, I'm sick of being taught like I'm in kindergarten and tested like I'm in college.
Also, I'm sick of being taught like I'm in kindergarten and tested like I'm in college.
3.04.2008
Something I missed
At some point, probably during my time without a computer, I missed this comment from Bennett. Hopefully, some of you saw it, and followed his advice. For those who didn't see it, though, here's a letter he wrote to Mr. White.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/2160590/White-letter-2-20
I think it's a great example to follow. Mr. White can ignore one or two students. But a large number of students expressing outrage over this situation is something different. Furthermore, sending it now, even after the break, shows him we haven't forgotten. I also think that sending letters to the school board (http://www.aaps.k12.mi.us/boe.home/board_member_contact_information) is a good idea; I'm not sure if they know about it. . .
http://www.scribd.com/doc/2160590/White-letter-2-20
I think it's a great example to follow. Mr. White can ignore one or two students. But a large number of students expressing outrage over this situation is something different. Furthermore, sending it now, even after the break, shows him we haven't forgotten. I also think that sending letters to the school board (http://www.aaps.k12.mi.us/boe.home/board_member_contact_information) is a good idea; I'm not sure if they know about it. . .
PSAS No. 2 No. 2
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!!
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!!
PSAS Meeting, part deux.
The second meeting of the (as yet unapproved by the administration) Pioneer Students Against Surveillance was held today. Better turnout than last meeting, certainly. I know we have more people out there, though. Show up, and bring your friends.
Sam DeVarti led the meeting. We again discussed what to do with the club, and, despite discussions last meeting, we still don't have anything written down. So, for the next meeting, we need people to get into groups (or just do it as individuals) and try to draft a mission statement for the club.
On the subject of the next meeting, there will be no meeting next week, due to the crazy schedule. But, from now on, the plan is to meet every Wednesday at lunch. There are plenty of discussions going on that I won't cover here, as they deal with protests and it wouldn't really make sense for me to discuss the protests on a public blog. So, show up, and join the discussion. We need more publicity and more discussion.
One last thing: Sam mentioned that if you wanted to post anything to this blog, like an article you found or just an opinion piece of some sort, you could just talk to me. I still maintain the blog on an everyday basis, so I might not post everything. But I realize that a lot of you don't know me personally, and might not want to just approach me. So, with anything like that, you can just email pioneer.uncovered@gmail.com.
EDIT: A comment pointed this out and I forgot to mention that this was also brought up at the meeting. While I don't believe any actual cameras have been installed, some wiring has been installed. The cameras will be installed by the end of April, I guess, mostly over spring break.
Sam DeVarti led the meeting. We again discussed what to do with the club, and, despite discussions last meeting, we still don't have anything written down. So, for the next meeting, we need people to get into groups (or just do it as individuals) and try to draft a mission statement for the club.
On the subject of the next meeting, there will be no meeting next week, due to the crazy schedule. But, from now on, the plan is to meet every Wednesday at lunch. There are plenty of discussions going on that I won't cover here, as they deal with protests and it wouldn't really make sense for me to discuss the protests on a public blog. So, show up, and join the discussion. We need more publicity and more discussion.
One last thing: Sam mentioned that if you wanted to post anything to this blog, like an article you found or just an opinion piece of some sort, you could just talk to me. I still maintain the blog on an everyday basis, so I might not post everything. But I realize that a lot of you don't know me personally, and might not want to just approach me. So, with anything like that, you can just email pioneer.uncovered@gmail.com.
EDIT: A comment pointed this out and I forgot to mention that this was also brought up at the meeting. While I don't believe any actual cameras have been installed, some wiring has been installed. The cameras will be installed by the end of April, I guess, mostly over spring break.
3.03.2008
PSAS Meeting
As far as I know, the PSAS meeting is still going on for tomorrow. However, I received an e-mail saying that I'd get an e-mail letter with details about the meeting and whether or not it will actually be able to happen. . .just to be safe, I'm going to show up tomorrow anyway.
So, if you're reading this:
Pioneer Students Against Surveillance Meeting
Mr. Robert's room, E Portable
Tomorrow (Tuesday, March 4) at Lunch
So, if you're reading this:
Pioneer Students Against Surveillance Meeting
Mr. Robert's room, E Portable
Tomorrow (Tuesday, March 4) at Lunch
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