Over the last couple of days, Logansport High School has been visited by the state fire inspector. The administrators, teachers and custodians have been forced to follow the harsh enforcement of the code. Whether it be curtains removed from windows that protect us from active shooters, flags that represent our school’s diversity, to things that have been in this school for decades. It all must come down.
The inspector plans to come this week. In all of Logansport’s history, this has never been a problem. While we understand some concerns, we feel this has been blown out of proportion.
Many teachers are left wondering what to do with all of their stuff. Stuff that made that classroom special.
“Schools are a home away from home for our students and faculty,” A teacher who wished to stay anonymous said. “Stripping the creativity and energy from the walls is not only a creative loss, but a breach of active shooter safety protocol by forcing classroom windows to be uncovered. Schools are a safe haven of learning and development for young learners. Removing access to visual arts, creative outlets and positive energy stifle growth and learning opportunities for students. Yes, safety is important. We can understand an 18-inch border in front of the ceiling, but limiting artwork, educational posters and authentic learning opportunities from the walls is unnecessarily rigid.”
The hallways don’t feel the same anymore. One thing that made Logansport, Logansport, was our school pride, which is currently being taken away.
“As I was walking the halls, I found that it was completely depressing, and I felt like I was walking in some sort of prison.” Freshman Visha Patel said.
A petition trying to make the inspector realize that his enforcement was very harsh received over 774 signatures and generated over $188 in donations. Not only is this a problem in high school, but it has also affected the entire corporation.
“One of my biggest concerns is how this is going to affect the younger children,” Alexa, a commenter on a petition, said, “A lot of elementary students have things on their walls for this very reason to help kids learn, expand vocabulary, and etc. Yes, it’s for safety, but as a result, their education will be affected.”
Elementary school teachers have also been disappointed.
“The amount of effort and money I have put into my classroom to decorate and help the kids feel welcome, some students only feel welcome and safe in a classroom,” An elementary teacher said. “All for it to be taken down and to look bland and feel not welcome? These kids use these posters because they need them. They like the different lights because they are not bright. This is unfair to the students and teachers.”
Another teacher said that her classrooms were always decorated.
“My classrooms have always been decorated and always had a theme or multiple themes to get their students engaged.” An elementary teacher, who wished to stay anonymous, said. “You never realize how much difference a lively & colorful classroom makes until it’s gone.”
Even graduates have concerns.
“As a 2003 Graduate at LHS, flags in the cafeteria have always been there,” an LHS Graduate said. “At least the American flag. Before we started adding all our wonderful cultures. They want us to take down all our berry pride stuff? Everything that defines us. That has been up and on the walls throughout the halls and classrooms for decades. This isn’t right. How will the children feel when they go to school? Will they feel welcomed or like they are in a prison?”
As students it is important for us to find a compromise. While we can understand state code and law is important, we also value our expression and the comfort of the halls and classrooms that LHS faculty and staff provide. There needs to be balance.
“This is not merely a matter of safety; it is a moment that demands our attention and action,” Teddy, a senior, said. “This situation needs urgent rectification. This overreach is not about safeguarding our future; it is about asserting control and diminishing the vibrant character of our school community.”
