By: Kyle Auger

Sports Editor

The halls were buzzing with emotions, part anger, part confusion, and all wanting answers, “ The ban is true?” “No, that’s a rumor.”

However it is true and next year grinding will not be allowed at dances. This change in rules is ridiculous, as well as detrimental to school income, class trips, and other privileges.

Is this form of dance really so inappropriate and graphic that students and teachers will miss opportunities that the dances fund? I think not. I understand the graphic nature of the events, but if you don’t approve of the behavior, nobody is forced to go. Also, this is a type of expression which shouldn’t be regulated.

The rule is becoming something of a joke to students, as it has been a popular opinion that nobody will attend dances. If this is true, clubs may face budget shortfalls, as dances were one of the largest sources of income for them.

Although dances are facing boycotts, it seems that administration will keep their ground.

“I think the attendance will stay up at dances… We’re still offering a place to be with good music and with no drugs or alcohol,” said Dean Michael Parent. “Also, a lot of kids have came and thanked us for the ban.”

I think a few thanks don’t equal the hundreds of those who are angered by the rule. If those few students were so uncomfortable, why attend dances? I understand that nobody should be uncomfortable in school, but these dances are a huge moneymaker for our school.

Although I feel the ban was a mistake, administration is attempting to fix the problems it may cause such as providing students with new dance alternatives.

“Yes, the Zumba was an idea from Mrs. Murphy and Mrs. Jozokos,” said Parent.

This could be our next dance

The Zumba dance exercise routines were a valiant effort, but nonetheless will be ineffective. Let’s be serious for a minute, how many people do you really think will start Zumba-ing on the dance floor? I’d say about a resounding zero.

Another attempt will take place next year, as administration is planning to use part of our first day orientations to teach the classes about the rule and its consequences.

This lesson is another good idea on paper because it educates people who used to attend dances, but students may reignite peoples’ anger and make them more bitter about the rule.

Freshman Emily Chateauneuf explains how she is planning to deal with the new rule.

“I know me and my friends will go to the first one, and if the rule is enforced, we’ll find something else to do,” said Chateauneuf.

She is right, it is fair to see what administration does with this rule and its enforcement. So I suggest students attend the first dance, scope out the atmosphere, and then make the call whether or not to participate in future dances depending how consistently the rule is actually enforced.