Two NYCSU members have a letter published in the NY Times!

New York Times, City Section, October 8, 2006
School Cellphone Ban Is Not the Solution

To the Editor:
Re “Getting the 411 on Random School Checks” (Oct. 1):

The ban on cellphones in public schools is unsafe and counterproductive. Many students travel long distances to and from school every day. During their commutes, students need to be able to contact their parents or someone who could assist them in an emergency.

Contrary to certain claims, the cellphone ban will not create a better learning environment in schools. In fact, when students feel that School Safety Agents are there to confiscate the very items that give students a sense of security, students may be reluctant to go to them when there really is an emergency.

Students who irresponsibly use their cellphones in school should face serious consequences. However, it is not right to punish students who keep their cellphones off and out of sight. This is one issue we at the New York City Student Union, a coalition of students from public high schools all over the city, are working to address.

Laura Johnson
Seth Pearce
Park Slope, Brooklyn