I have been reading the Poly High Life for over 32 years. I enjoy it, and more often than not I am impressed by the quality and content of the many articles that our awesome Poly students write. Even when I don’t agree with the content and substance of the article, I am still impressed. But in the March 28th issue I read an article entitled (sic) “Why does school feel more like jail?” by Koa Calloway.
The writer took it upon himself, albeit ignorantly, to totally bash the Campus Security Officers who dutifully serve the students and staff at Poly. First allow me to briefly share a few of our duties/responsibilities: We prevent and break up fights at the risk of harm to our own selves, which has happened. We take weapons and drugs from students. We identify and remove non-students from campus who have somehow gotten on campus—sometimes for the wrong reasons. We work EVERY after school event—sports, music, drama, etc. to maintain the safety of ALL who come to these activities. We even secure the safety of their vehicles. We remove students from class whom the teacher have deemed unruly or disruptive. We do so much more.
But Mr. Calloway seems to think that all we do is harass and disrespect our students! Wow. When I read his article I was shocked to find out that he is a senior at Poly. I wondered, where has this kid been for the last almost 4 years now? Has he ever been escorted to room 119 for getting into trouble at Poly? The odd thing about his article is that he never states that he personally ever had a negative run-in with a CSO. Mr. Calloway, the process of showing your I.D. when you leave campus during school hours, has been in existence since before you were born. And if you can’t figure out why we do that, then as a senior you have really been out of the loop. Students try to sneak off campus during school hours everyday at Poly. What do you think happens if one succeeds and then something really bad happens to him/her? Or if a CSO allowed a student to leave during school hours without showing their I.D. and their official excuse to leave campus? Not a good ending.
You say a lot of students don’t seen to like us. Well I totally disagree with that statement! Poll your fellow students. Besides the ones who may have disciplinary issues, I think we would pass the test with flying colors. We don’t harass students, physically assault students, nor curse at students. You may have witnessed an isolated “incident” between a CSO and a student, but you don’t know the whole story. You only know what you saw and heard. Which wasn’t much, because our camera system recorded that situation. We are not here to be friends of the students. We are here to protect, and hopefully, respect our students. But along with discipline, comes rebellious attitudes that we have to deal with.
No one on this campus has better relationships with students than the CSO’s. Students confide in us about many things. I should know, I am a CSO and a 33-year employee at Poly. And a proud alumnus. So before you attempt to pass ignorant judgment along again, remember, somebody knows the facts!
Leave a Reply