On Tuesday, February 12, during a required Spartan Hour, Dr. Steiner announced that clubs would no longer be allowed to meet during that time, and would instead have to meet before or after school. What may sound like a simple scheduling adjustment will have real consequences for students.

Not everyone has flexible transportation, open afternoons, or the ability to rearrange family responsibilities. This decision unintentionally favors students who can drive themselves or stay late without complications. That does not help with the idea of the inclusive community our school aims to be.

For many students, especially those who rely on the bus, staying late or arriving early is not an option. When clubs shift entirely outside the school day, participation becomes a privilege instead of an opportunity. Instead of being something every student can access easily by being present at school, it becomes something available to those with flexible transportation and schedules. This changes involvement from a shared experience open to all into an advantage held by a smaller group of students.

Clubs are not just resume builders. They are where students develop leadership skills, explore interests, and find a community. They give students a reason to feel connected to school even beyond academics. Limiting access means limiting those experiences.

There are ways to strengthen academics without removing accessible club time. If the school’s concern is that students need more structured study support, the school could designate certain study days specifically for academic help, require students who are struggling to attend targeted support sessions, or implement a check-in system to ensure time is being used productively.

We can help students be successful while still preserving the time that keeps them connected and allows them to have an active school life. Increasing academic achievement should not come at the cost of the very programs that inspire students to work hard and stay involved.

If we truly value leadership, connection, and equal opportunity, we should not make it harder for students to participate. Access matters, and this change makes involvement less accessible for many of us.