Dear Editor,

As we venture into a new academic year, it’s important to highlight the issue of indiscipline within all schools across Jamaica, but more so the high schools.

Many are of the opinion that students are indisciplined because of a lack of home training, and while this is true to some extent, we cannot avoid the fact that students sometimes behave in a derogatory manner because of the disparaging treatment they receive from some teachers.

It is very discouraging to be in a classroom and a teacher only gives her full attention to the student who wear pretty badges. I have been in situations like this before, so I am speaking from experience. It can be frustrating, especially after multiple attempts to get the teacher’s attention. A topic would be introduced and if the smarter students understand the entire topic the teacher would move to the next topic, completely forgetting that there are other students beyond his or her pets. This type of bias has caused chaos in the classrooms and soon students prefer liming in bathrooms than attending classes.

Upon entering any high school as a freshman, a handbook is handed to each student. This book gives information about the school and, most importantly, highlights its regulations. But there is an unwritten rule that students who attain extremely high averages or do well at sports are exempt.

Students are typically penalised when rules are breached, receiving punishments such as suspensions, detentions, or perhaps being locked out. But it has been observed that once a student attains honour roll status a warning is the preferred method of correction — given most times with a smile. Meanwhile, athletics kings and queens are privileged on campuses; therefore, it is appropriate for them — and only them — to wear sagging pants and beads in their hair, for example.

At one school, when students who did not belong to either of these privileged groups tackled their form teacher about the unfairness of it all, the teacher’s response was, “They make the school look good in the papers.”

Students should not be exempted from rules because of their great IQ or near-supernatural talents. I have seen instances in which this has caused chaos in a school community. If this type of inequality continues in our schools, students will rebel and diregard the consequences of their actions.

Many times my friends and I were exasperated by the injustices we faced at school, but we remained humble. But how many teenagers will think in the same manner? Many students believe that revolting is the only way to solve injustice.

Teachers should treat all students in an unbiased way. It’s high time that we speak out on this matter and not be timid in letting teachers know that they are also factors that influence indiscipline among students. Remember there are two sides to a coin. This is the other side.

Alexious Gonzales

alexiousgonzales6@gmail.com