By: Isabelle Yang, Sports Editor
When students return to campus after spring break, the dynamics of center court during lunch time will change drastically. On April 7, a new policy constructed by Dean Christian will be enforced, stating that all students must book a reservation for their lunch tables through a Google Form. The QR code can be found on Instagram or through email.
The Viking Sitting Policy works on a first-come first-serve basis. Therefore, the policy will allow upperclassmen to have priority when reserving tables. As there are not enough tables available in center court for the entire student population, Dean Christian will provide seating for the underclassmen outside in the front of the school.
The policy has been created due to various fights over limited table space. Administration has noted a dramatic increase in fights as the year goes on, prompting them to find a solution quickly before it takes a toll on students’ mental health and further contradicts Mills’ core values. “As a school, we noticed that disputes over lunch tables create tension and disrupt our accepting and safe community that we have been working hard for decades to preserve,” counselor Jonathan Fong states.
To ensure that this policy is followed by the entire student body, administration is in the process of hiring Campus Safety Specialists. Their job will be to focus on the seating arrangements and check reservations. To find out more about the Viking Sitting Policy, check out the Mills Thunderbolt website and Instagram.
Although upperclassmen seem to appreciate this policy, some underclassmen view it as unfair. As they conclude their first year in high school, the lower grades argue that lunch plays a key role in fostering new friendships and meeting peers from other grades.
Brian Li (10), who is incredibly outgoing and loves talking to new people, thinks this policy is isolating. “Being possibly banished from center court will prevent us from making new friends,” says Li.
Fong also highlights that new spots to enjoy lunch can be discovered. “Students might venture into our newly renovated space in front of Mills or even in the hallway in front of their class right before lunch ends so they won’t be tardy. Wouldn’t that be a blessing in disguise?” remarks Fong.
In addition to preventing more conflict and providing structure to lunch breaks, this strict policy will ensure students develop emotional strength. “The policy is a bit rough but this is a way to toughen up the student body and get them ready for the real world of hanging out,” Dean Christian explains.
