There is no doubt that students enjoy buying the various food items sold during school hours, whether it be from club members fundraising for their organization or private sellers hoping to raise money for their personal gain. Indeed, the school campus, with a population of over 3000 students, is an ideal site for such sales. Since it benefits both groups—the seller who can earn profit and the consumer who attains food not regularly sold at school—such activities seem harmless, even beneficial. What many don’t realize is that this violates a current standing school policy that inhibits the transaction of money between students on campus.
Because the policy is unclear and not widely publicized, it is understandable that students and teachers choose to ignore the issue. Students hoping to learn more about this rule would not be able to find much clarification in the DBHS website or the student handbook.
From actions seen around campus, it seems that many faculty members and students are either unaware of this rule or turning a blind eye to it. Some club advisors do clarify that fundraising must take place outside of school gates, yet students continue to sell candies and other food items during class and in the hallway. Teachers who see these activities going on in their classes inform students to put it aside if it causes a disturbance to their lessons; but in most cases, they allow sales to persist. And sometimes, even teachers purchase these treats from students.
Also, there are no clear-cut consequences for those who choose to break the rule. Add in the fact that students often face a deadline for the fundraiser and it is easy to see why such transactions occur. Under the threat of losing points or other detractions, the pressure to sell the items increases, and students choose the easiest and quickest way to get rid of them– even if club advisors have instructed members not to sell them on campus.
Another factor may be the sheer size of those who look upon the sales favorably. The snacks are much appreciated by those who just happened to skip a meal or are simply feeling the need to exercise their mouth. There is no opposition against sales, as students and teachers are either supportive or hold no comment against it. Both the provider and the consumer benefit from such sales; everyone is happy.
It would be prudent for USB to clarify and explain the purpose of this policy. Copies of the policy should also be made easily accessible online and to clubs and advisors. Although the federal, state, and local laws regulate sale of foods of minimal nutritional value in order to prevent future health problems and child obesity, the reality is that many students just don’t care to follow them. USB needs to emphasize the importance of following such laws and why they exist in the first place; otherwise, the indifferent attitude students have adopted will cause the problem to continue to grow.