OPINION
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What’s In A Name? The WSS takes a stance on the new club policy and how it will affect extracurricular activities in the future West High has many diverse clubs, and they mostly have one common theme: most of their activities take place at or on campus. Although there have been some exceptions to the rule in past years, most clubs that deviate from this principle will no longer be allowed to carry West High’s name from this year onward. According to a statement released by principal Jerry Arganbright on West High’s website on Aug. 1, “[the administration] will no longer approve any use of Iowa City West High School for outside group team names or titles ... [it] will only be used to refer to those teams and activities that are directly supported and sponsored by the Iowa City School District.” This means that most clubs that met off-campus with the West High name are required to change their club name and affiliation. Dan Dagle ’15, the leader of the newly named West Side Trap Club was not happy with the recent change. “I was very angry, because we won’t be able to represent our school at competitions,” Dagle said. It is understandable that the administration is concerned about how the school’s name is used, but it is not fair to the students who are not able to obtain permission
from the school in order to do something that they are interested in pursuing as a club, even if it may be off-campus. Most students who would want to use the school’s name do not have malicious intent or use it in a way that would harm the school itself, but use the school’s name as a method to attract new members who would otherwise not know about the activity. Clubs for lesser-known or offcampus sports could not use the West High name. Because of this, these off-campus clubs would not receive equal or adequate funding as the other activities that are funded by the district. It is possible but difficult to receive funding through private fund-raisers, even when a club is under the West High name. It is unfair to not allow a West-affiliated club to use
Should West High keep the new policy on licensing its name?
6-8
new clubs Bollywood French Club
Allergy Season Parents say you look sick, peers say you look high. All you know is you’re highly looking forward to not feeling sick.
-3
For Tomorrow Globetrotters Punchline Club
West High’s name and deny them necessary funding simply because it does not meet on campus. Clubs are a way to become more familiar with the people in the school with similar interests outside of a classroom setting. Taking away that opportunity to meet new people off-campus would be unfair to some those wishing to participate. It could be beneficial to join a local event or club, but there are many benefits to having a variety of different clubs and communities within the West High community.
The WSS editorial board voted against the new policy.
College Applications Quick! Where do you want to spend the next four years of your life and empty your life’s savings?
-4
Early Bird PE Only 90’s kids will remember this.
+4 Football Even though I don’t understand what is going on, the outcome of these games somehow affect my happiness.
+2
Weather “You’re hot and you’re cold. You’re yes and you’re no,” - Meteorologist Katy Perry.
+1
0 Have a neutral day.
42 opinion September 2014 wsspaper.com
Art by HANNAH SONG
COMPILED BY AKASH BORDE DESIGN BY AKASH BORDE