A Houston high school was placed on lockdown Friday as students stormed out of classrooms to protest a new cell phone ban.
Staff at James Madison High School were ordered to shelter in place as a precaution after a physical altercation broke out on campus the day before news of the new policy was shared.
Principal Edgar Contreras told parents in a message: “The school is currently on lockdown due to concerns about recent fights within the school.” Obtained by Houston Chronicle.
“As you know, we announced yesterday that from Monday students will not be allowed to use cell phones at any time while in the school building. ” he continued.
of high school student There has been an uproar since schools announced new rules requiring devices to be turned off and left at the front desk at the start of the school day.
Teenagers could only pick up their phones after school or in case of an emergency.
A large number of students walked out of class as part of the protest.
Many argued that the new policy was a violation of their Fourth Amendment rights, amounting to “unreasonable search and seizure.”
Others argued that faculty were punishing the entire student body for the actions of a few students who abused the few phone privileges previously allowed.
“We have responsibilities. Our moms may need to contact us. We need cell phones,” student Stephanie Martinez told the Houston Chronicle. told.
“It’s good not to use your cell phone during class, but you shouldn’t just take it away.”
Houston Independent School District police, as they had the day before, were keeping an eye on the protests in case they escalated.
HISD did not immediately respond to the Post’s request for comment.
Contreras said James Madison has instituted strict policies to reduce distractions in the classroom.
The school labeled itself a “cell phone-free zone” at the beginning of the school year, saying students were only allowed to use cell phones if their teachers gave permission.
Violators will be given a warning the first time, but second violations will result in forfeiture and a $15 administrative fee, according to sources. A flyer released earlier this year.
Schools across the country are grappling with the use of cell phones in the classroom, and some are turning to innovative solutions to prevent distractions.
Last month, a North Carolina high school removed all bathroom mirrors to prevent students from filming TikTok videos.
The school has already reported that children are spending less time in the bathroom.
