I think it’s interesting that a school so progressive, so diverse in the viewpoints of its staff and students, and so open minded and tolerant in many ways, (Franklin) will deliberately deprive certain students of the renowned education it provides if those students take on an opposing viewpoint. At Franklin, we’re lucky enough to be surrounded by people with a wide range of opinions of the most controversial subjects. We have a Young Republicans club and a Young Democrats club. We have Iota Sigma (a club that focuses on Christianity) and the Free Thinkers club (a club that focuses on atheism and separation of church and state.) At lunch and between classes, you can often find a group of kids sharing their thoughts on heated issues and current events. But the reason all of this ideological diversity can work is because we are all tolerant. We sure as hell don’t have to agree with our classmates when religion and politics come into play, but we respect each other.

The legalization of marijuana is a controversial subject that has gained support from thousands over the past few years alone. It has shown to be less addictive that cigarettes (which are legal) and less harmful than alcohol (also legal.) True, recreational use of marijuana is still against the law, but it’s a shame that one of the many people who are for legalization is going to miss out on their education because of law that should and most likely will be changed. Especially at the hands of what I thought was such a progressive school.