Closed campus policy challenged by students

On Jan. 17, Principal Renay Johnson addressed the Blair Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) regarding Blair’s closed campus policy. She stated that conflict with local businesses, as well as instances of Blair students being arrested for shoplifting, have resulted in Blair Security increasing their efforts to keep students on the campus during lunch. These new efforts include security guards waiting at all the doors during lunch, as well as being stationed by the portables on either side of the school. 

She discussed the variety of activities and clubs available to Blazers during lunch as enriching alternatives to leaving campus. These activities include movies in the auditorium and opportunities for academic support. 

In addition to students leaving campus, Johnson claims that there have been a number of worsening behavior issues post-COVID, including incidents in the bathrooms. As a result, the school has removed doors to create “stadium-style” bathrooms which makes it easier for the administration to keep track of students in the restroom. 

Her statement during the PTSA meeting was a response to a complaint from students about the closed campus policy, sent through email on the same morning.