Sherwood Travel Ban Draws Controversy
by Josh Averbach ‘18
In response to concerns about school security, Sherwood’s administration has implemented a temporary “travel ban” on students from Blake, Quince Orchard, Walter Johnson, and Paint Branch from entering school premises for any reason. The administration has determined that unsavory elements within these schools may present a risk to Sherwood’s security. This means that the barred schools’ sports teams cannot play at Sherwood, and that their students cannot attend any school-sponsored events.
“Let me be clear. This is not a ‘student ban,’ as some of the politically correct fearmongerers have labeled it. Nobody loves students more than us. It is a temporary measure, which will be removed once we can put in place extreme vetting, and figure out what the heck is going on over there!” said a member of the Instructional Leadership Team who has requested to remain anonymous because he is not authorized to speak on behalf of the school’s higher-ups.
Many question the legality of the administration’s move. Its critics argue that it conflicts with an MCPS rule barring one school from creating “openly hostile” policy towards students from other schools. In May, a tribunal composed of several education experts, including MCPS school board members, will hear arguments from the administration’s lawyers and opponents. After careful deliberation, they will reach a decision on the ban’s legitimacy.
“Openly hostile?! They say our idea is openly hostile? Let me tell you something. This administration is the most friendly, least hostile group alive, maybe ever to live. I have people coming up to me all the time saying Sherwood is so friendly. Can you teach me how to be so un-hostile? This isn’t me saying it, this is other people saying it to me. I’ll see you in court!” said the source.
The ban’s creators have also drawn criticism for their choice of what schools to include in the ban. According to MCPS data, students from those schools have not been involved in any incidents with Sherwood students. In fact, the only similarity between the schools is that they all have a type of cat as their mascot.
“There isn’t a shred of evidence of any of the banned schools posing a risk. I did, however, hear that several Sherwood students were involved in altercations with Blair kids after a football game. Come to think of it, I have heard rumors that some Sherwood teachers have financial ties to Blair. I wonder if that could have something to do with this,” said social studies teacher Scott Allen.