So the rule goes that during lunches we as students are no longer permitted to access the courtyard. Our boundary is marked by a green line which spans across the concrete in front of the cafeteria. During the past two years at Durant we have never been allowed to bring food into the courtyard, which is understandable considering some students are pigs and will leave their trash where ever they please. But, restricting our access entirely takes away lots of seating and shade during these hot summer months. Also, the court yard is a huge space and allowing the student body to diffuse over it’s entirety allows for the sound to diffuse as well. With all of us now condensed into half the space as before it becomes very hard to hold a conversation as is now very loud in the cafeteria. The courtyard is in full view of all of administration and even the staff in the Student Affair’s office can see the courtyard from their desks. As far as I am aware, there has never been an issue in the courtyard during our lunches. I met with Mrs.Bowden on Tuesday to discuss the matter and she shared my concerns, after all, why have such a beautiful campus if nobody can use it. Sadly, there has not been any update from administration about this policy. Rumor has it that they gave OSS to a few students who literally stepped over the line. Our courtyard is the heart of Durant. We make friends there, we celebrate there, and we’re able to share our love for this awesome school there. Overall, taking away our ability to relax in the courtyard on lunch has created a lot of unrest in our student body and has taken away a part of school many of us look forward to.