At Shadow Ridge High School, a new requirement that students wear lanyards at all times on campus has sparked mixed reactions among the student body. The policy, which aligns with measures adopted by the Clark County School District, requires students to wear their school issued identification badges on lanyards throughout the day, not just when scanning into class.
Supporters of the rule say the change improves campus safety and accountability. By keeping identification visible, teachers and campus security can more easily identify students and determine what grade they are in. Junior Brandon Ramirez sees both sides of the issue but believes the IDs serve a purpose.
“I think that they shouldn’t really be on all the time,” Ramirez said. “But it’s good to have it on you so you could scan in and so teachers and campus security can know what grade you’re in.”
Others, however, feel the rule goes too far. Senior Kai Wood believes the policy is unnecessary, especially since students were previously only required to use their IDs to scan into class.
“I believe that the lanyard and early out sticker situation is a useless rule although it’s convenient to scan into class,” Wood said.
“But having to wear it in class and around the halls is a useless rule when for the past few years most students have not worn their lanyard and the school year went by smoothly. We should revert back to just having to scan into class and not having to wear a lanyard.”
In addition to concerns about wearing the lanyards, some students have expressed frustration about the quality of the early out stickers attached to their IDs. Early out stickers indicate students who are permitted to leave campus before the end of the school day. Wood described the process of replacing the sticker as inconvenient.
“Also it was weird having to get my early out sticker changed,” Wood added. “We should’ve had better quality stickers from the start.”
Despite differing opinions, the policy remains in effect at Shadow Ridge and other campuses throughout the district. School administrators have stated that consistent identification procedures are meant to enhance safety and streamline attendance tracking. Some students hope administrators will consider feedback and possibly adjust the policy in the future.
 As the school year continues, students are adjusting to the new expectations, while conversations about balancing security and convenience remain ongoing.
