Students at Heritage High returned to school August first to many new changes. A new principal, new rules, including a new tardy policy. Students, many unaware of the new policy, have been receiving detentions left and right. Though being late is frowned upon, many believe that the new policy is unfair.

 The new policy is has softened by allowing three tardies to be a warning and five a lunch detention whereas the previous policy issued a detention after only two tardies within the week. Though the policy is slightly more lax than before, students are feeling it’s wrath. The policy accounts for all tardies within the school day instead of just first period like its predecessor.

 “I feel like it is not fair to a lot of students because they  have things to do in the morning and during school. Also some teachers don’t give passes between classes” says Yoyo Liang (11). Many teachers don’t give passes when holding students back from classes and with such a big campus, every minute is crucial while getting to class.

 “I think it should only apply to after first period since people are already at school so they’re less likely to be tardy for reasons they can’t control.” says Sam Villafuerte (11). For many other students, sometimes being late to first period  is unavoidable, due to the nightmare that is the traffic on Balfour in the morning. The issue that many students are wrestling with adjusting to the new policy is getting to class on time within the day.

 With such a large campus, being late during the day is inevitable depending on your schedule. “The new policy is totally unfair, if I have a class in the N portables then my next is in SLC C then of course I’ll probably be late a couple minutes.” says Diane Campbell (11).

 Luckily for many students here at Heritage, some teachers are understanding of the struggle of getting to class on time, excusing students as long as they have good reason for being late.