After a ban on backpacks, a student protests by carrying books in a microwave
A 17-year-old student in the U.K. is quietly protesting the ban of backpacks at his school by bringing his books to class in an unlikely accessory — a microwave.
Jacob Ford, who believes the ban on large bags to be “ridiculous” has challenged Spalding Grammar School by carrying an item that perhaps creates more risk than a book bag, since a microwave has been rumored to give off harmful radiation.
According to Ford, the school initially banned backpacks for “health and safety,” but he believes it to be because of younger students striking staff in the face by swinging their bags around the corridor.
“Once again, I do not doubt this ever happening. But is the best solution really to outright ban backpacks? Surely a compromise can be made,” Ford told Lincolnshire Live. The student even went as far as penning a 3,300-word essay on the issue, which he submitted to his head teacher, Steven Wilkinson.
A rule that says bags are not to be used during lessons has been in place for over 25 years, according to the student, but it has never been enforced — until now. Ford believes that implementing such a rule puts the students’ health in jeopardy, not to mention that the cost of a new bag that meets the new guidelines will be a burden on students.
Tracy Ford, Jacob’s mother, said, “I think Jacob’s protest has been very peaceful and I believe he should have his say. At the end of the day, I believe in freedom of speech, and so I’m very proud of him for standing up for something he believes in. Microwave or no microwave.”
The ban on large bags has many parents up in arms as well, especially parents of female students. “How can you even get to places on time with all the right books, let alone [carry] things like sanitary towels?” Bridget Allan, a mother of two, asked the outlet. Girls missing school because of their periods is a significant issue around the globe. The inability to conceal their sanitary products may cause girls to stay home from school while they are menstruating.
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