Administration effects changes to due to safety regulations
Blair administration implemented a new rule on October 11 prohibiting Blazers from sitting near the tennis and basketball courts near Colesville Rd. during lunch due to safety regulations. School officials had found evidence of people living in the foliage, as well as evidence of drug use in the area.
According to Blair Principal Renay Johnson, security reported that makeshift shelters and tents were erected in the back. "There are also homeless citizens that have created shelters there," she stated.
Johnson has notified county police as additional measures to discourage the homeless from being on school property. Even though woodlines have been cut down, they grow back rapidly, allowing people to come back and rebuild their shelters once again. "When I call the police it's not to arrest them. It's to ask them to help the homeless," Johnson said.
Two security officers have been placed outside in order to prevent students from going near the area during both lunch periods. Jeffrey Seals, one of Blair's security guards, is working to ensure that all security and staff enforce this rule this school year. "We have to think ahead before something actually happens," Seals said.
Students are now adapting to this new rule. Sophomore Devin Sorto believes the rule will prevent students from going off campus. Junior Luis Zelaya agrees. "I believe the reason staff don't want students eating near the tennis courts is mainly because students can sneak out easier from Colesville to get to Four Corners," Zelaya said.
Although many Blazers were unaware of activities taking place behind the courts, many are following the new rule eagerly. Junior Fernanda Ventura was shocked to hear about the homeless and assured that she would tell friends and acquaintances to follow the rule.
Alyssa Berrios. Hi, my name is Alyssa and I'm a staff writer & social media manager. I like going to concerts, dogs and eating ice-cream! More »
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