Cracking down

News Editor: Emma Herwehe

Administration implements a new disciplinary regulation for illegal substances found on school grounds

By Tanny Khun, Reporter

Common illicit drugs found in high schools

Marijuana

As of this month, students caught with illegal substances on school grounds will be ticketed. Photo by Jordin Baker

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, teen vaping and marijuana usage rates have increased in the past few years along with the usage of other illicit drugs, such as opioids and other medicines. It is becoming more common to see these drugs around high schools. The administration at SHS has been taking more steps to combat this issue throughout the building.

Since the beginning of the second semester of the 2019-2020 school year, students found with illegal substances on campus will be handed a $150 ticket, as opposed to being suspended. Violations of this new policy can possibly lead to criminal charges, arrest warrants and even appearances in court.

“This seems to be the most effective way of dealing with illegal substances and really cracking down on it,” Officer Luke Quinlan said.

According to Quinlan,

4 News SHS hasn’t caught too many students with illegal substances, but this new policy is a precaution to keep as much out as possible.

If a student wants to challenge the ticket, the ticket will contain information about contacting an attorney. According to success coach T.J. Lovejoy, the substances that schools have the most trouble with are marijuanna and tobacco. This new policy is meant to target tobacco products that are commonly Tobacco products

Illegal medicines

Nicotine products

Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse

Student voices

(Right) Officer Luke Quinlan works in his office during second lunch on Monday, Jan. 27. He has already written three tickets towards the possesion of illegal drugs on campus this month. Photo by Jordin Baker

Junior Casey Arthur

"They're in the right mindset of not allowing drugs, but I think it should be treated more as a health issue than a criminal issue. Drug addiction is a serious thing when it comes to health."

Freshman Olivia Graphman

"I don't think it will work because I think students will keep finding a way to (bring illegal substances to school). "

(Left) Officer Thomas Shambaugh sits in his car during third lunch on Monday, Jan. 27. He keeps a constant watch over different areas outside of the building. Photo by Jordin Baker

found in a lot of vaping devices, and it places stronger consequences on students caught with these substances. “After a couple offenses, students can receive suspension or expulsion, depending on the offense,” Lovejoy said.

Students have differing opinions about the new policy and what the school is doing to keep drugs out. According to junior Cooper Heaton, this new regulation could be very beneficial in preventing illegal substances in the building. He doesn’t think the school is necessarily doing enough to reduce this issue, but he believes it is a step in the right direction.

“I think that’s probably a good thing because it’ll make it less likely that people will bring illegal substances to school, and it will reduce the amount circulating,” Heaton said.

On the other hand, some students seem to think there is still a long way to go.

Did you know?

Most people use drugs for the first time when they are teenagers.

More than half of new illicit drug users begin with marijuana.

While teenage cigarette smoking rates have decreased, vaping rates have increased.

Drug use is highest among people in their late teens and 20s.

Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse

News 5 “I think they should pay more attention to kids and try monitoring bathrooms to see what kids bring into schools,” junior Ah’Maiya Martin said.

Getting caught with contraband can result in various levels of potential punishments students will receive. If students are caught with tobacco, they will receive either a ticket or a ticket and a suspension. If marijuana or products containing marijuana are found, the consequences are much greater. According to Quinlan, marijuana will lead to an arrest and the student being taken off of school grounds.

In addition, the ignoring of a ticket can lead to getting a driver's license taken away. Failure to pay a ticket will result in serious consequences from authorities.

"I think the fine of the ticket is awesome,” Lovejoy said. “I think it’s going to really curb the issue a lot.”