On most campuses across the nation, when small groups of students band
together it is to attack the administration. At Grady, however, a different
student uprising appears to be underway.
This display of "Student Power" is aimed at preventing the malicious
littering, use of vulgarity, hazardous smoking, and other ills that have
contributed to the downgrading of Grady's reputation. The deteriorating
situation was discussed in a special assembly by Principal Roger Derthick.
Spearheading the massive movement for upgrading conditions at Grady is Mr. James Draa's Current World Affairs class. A special committee within the class has outlined the goals of the movement and the progress in the drive for improvement thus far.
The committee concluded that a majority of Gradyites are in favor of maintaining and upgrading Grady's reputation and character, both of which have been marred by an irresponsible minority.
Their aim is to get this majority involved in this student power drive for betterment. They want to help the potentially good citizens to co-operate or at least tolerate the upgrading movement.
Several steps have already been taken to reverse the downward trend. The assembly with Mr. Derthick brought about an acute awareness of the existing problems. Mr. Derthick stated that the image of Grady is corroding and that the building might be condemned because of the fire hazard created by smoking. At the assembly he abolished the smoking area and pleaded to the student body for assistance from its good members.
Mr. Derthick placed the blame for the deteriorating reputation of Grady upon all the teachers and all the students. He said that all have allowed these conditions to exist and have turned their backs on smoking in illegal areas, acts of truancy and littering, and utterances of vulgarity.
As a result of the assembly, smoking on campus has been virtually eliminated and most littering in the halls has been stopped. An immediate response to the speech, civic minded groups put up posters concerning the various problems at Grady and are planning specific projects to correct them.
To counteract vandalism, confusion in the halls, and skipping classes, the Current World Affairs class has proposed the establishment of hall monitors. Under this plan of action, students would be required to use hall passes and out-of-class permits.