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About The Grantonian (Portland, Ore.) 19??-???? | View Entire Issue (Dec. 6, 1968)
4 THE GRANTONIAN December 6, 1968 Discussions seek answer to racial problems Why are you always so rowdy and loud? Why do you always seem so insin cere? These are a sample of the ques tions asked by blade and white stu dents of each other during the black and white discussions. Held each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during fourth and fifth periods in room 43, the discussions are aimed at a better understanding between the two races. According to Sonya Manning, vice-president of discussions, “Now we can finally talk young man to young man; young woman to young woman.” “I think we’ve accomplished quite a bit,” commented Junior Johnson. “We’ve gotten different views and be come more united.” By contacting the NAACP and other organizations, speakers will be obtained to give the students an adult view of black and white relations. According to Mrs. Alice Armstrong, social studies teacher who has attended all of the meetings, there is an open dia logue among all of the students involved in the discussions. The most popular question asked by each race is “why.” Black students ques tion white sincerity and white students question black intentions. Approximately 40-50 students attend these meetings, some bringing their lunches with them, others coming from study halls. Editorials At the next meeting of the School Board, members will discuss a pro posed “new Board policy on students’ dress and grooming.” That state ment is as follows: “The responsibility for the dress and grooming of a student rests pri marily with the student, and his or her parents or guardian. Ordinarily, a student’s dress or grooming shall not f-^rincipa/^ attain aiuen affect his or her participation in school classes or programs, or in school-related activities. If, however, dreii code contfoueri^, the dress or grooming of a student disrupts the educational climate or tofd to do ai th. eu pleaie process, or is unclean or a threat to the health or safety of the student or any other person, the school has a legitimate concern and may require the student to change his or her dress or grooming.” Heretofore the School Board has not issued any directives relating to dress and grooming codes. This is left to the discretion of the school admin istration. ’«I At present, Grant’s Dress Code says that no way of dress that is “ex treme, bizarre, or conspicuous” will be allowed. But what is the defini tion of “extreme, bizarre, or conspic N l STRJIT (QfM uous?” Who is to decide? Complaints are raised for mini length skirts, and dresses, yet pro «ATI?) tests are also heard for the midi length. Complaints were heard when shaved their heads, and complaints are raised because hair is too long. Girls cannot wear bermudas, yet they can wear culottes', which are technically just “baggy shorts.” The question of defining bizarre,extreme, and conspicuous in the Grant Dress Code has now become a question of semantics. It seems it would be better if the School Board would set very definite guides for both dress and grooming, for all schools. Definite guides would be welcomed by all concerned . . . parents, teachers, and students. Real clarification is needed: not just general statements. On The Shelf by June Ammon r How would you feel if, right after you get up in the morning, a man who claimed to be the gas meter reader came in and commenced snooping around the apartment? After exploring the rooms, supposedly in search of a gas meter, he opens the door for his partner and they introduce themselves as Tom and Dick, adding, “Harry’s downstairs.” Letters to the Editor To the Editor: A couple of weeks ago my parents and myself received a Grantonian. In looking through it, I saw the letters to the editor in which two girls commented on how the assembly of November 6 went. In later going through the Grantonian, I found out how much the kids and par ents of Grant High School gave to the U. S. Grant-Merrick R. Pierce Vietnam Memorial Organ. I know I’m right in saying thank you for myself and my par ents, and the many parents of the men who have been killed in Vietnam. Thank you, Byron Pierce, Grant alum Class of ’67 Freedom of speech to be allowed Councils pass assembly resolution Originating in the General Council, a resolution concerning free speech assem blies was passed Thursday by the Execu tive Council. The resolution states as follows: Whereas there is a need for communi cation pertaining to different facets of school rules and regulations, Whereas these rules and regulations concern everyone at Grant High School, Whereas there is a lack of understand ing as to the reasons for certain rules and regulations, Be it resolved by the Student Body of Grant High School: I. That the General and Executive Councils will organize an assembly, in cluding all students interested, members of the faculty selected by the councils, and administrators, also selected by the councils. II. This assembly will consist of free discussion among the students, faculty and administrators present at the assem bly. HI. The student body president will preside at the assembly and will control discussion. IV. Microphones and sound equip ment will be properly placed so that all speakers may be heard easily. V. The assembly will be held during seventh period, using the full period and will not be compulsory. VI. The assembly will be held in the auditorium on such a date as is agreeable to all factions involved. According to Ben Prows, General Council president, the reason for the resolution is to better unite the students and the administration. Students will be able to question vari ous members of the faculty and adminis tration about no set subject. Subjects such as the controversial dress code would be pertinent. One argument against the proposed assembly is that it would only end up in a debate between administrators and stu dents, with the students trying to “pin” the administrators. According to Ben, if students enter the room with the idea that they are going to discuss problems with the faculty and among each other, there should be no need for “debate.” There was much discussion on Section V of the resolution in an Executive Coun cil meeting held Wednesday. The assem bly may be held during second period in stead of seventh to allow more students the opportunity of attending. This is what happened to Barbara, a young salesgirl played by Susan Kendall, and Bruce, a married real estate salesman, played by Terry Morgan, one morning, in the movie “The Penthouse.” Things really be gin to happen as Tom and Dick pre pare to have a party. First of all, the door is locked, “to keep everyone out.” Next, Tom pulls out a switchblade and forces Bruce to sit in a swivel chair; while Dick takes two bottles of whiskey and some colored ribbons out of his black bag. They then proceed to tie Bruce into the chair, emit ting loud exclamations of joy. Drinks are poured for all but Bruce, and Dick goes to “take a look at the bedroom,” while Tom “invites” Barbara to join him in a drink. Later, after Barbara has downed two large glasses full, a marijuana joint is passed around to all except Bruce, be cause “he’s being mean. He isn’t acting at all like a gentleman.” When Tom and Dick leave, taking all of the valuables with them, Harry, a girl, enters and claims to be their proba tion officer. Tom and Dick return to apologize, and Harry presents Bruce and Barbara with the decision of whether or not to tell the police about the day’s events. For Bruce, this decision involves choosing between his wife and two small children, and Barbara. He decides for them not to press charges. Combining interesting photography and a theme which elaborates oh the maxim ‘I just don’t want to get involved,’ this movie effectively puts across its message. tan Published weekly by the advanced jour nalism class of Ulysses S. Grant high school, room 203, 2245 N.E. 36th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97212. Phone 288-5975. Printed by Modern Typesetting company with a circulation of 3200. Second class postage paid at Portland, Ore. Subscrip tion cost $2.00 per year. Vol. 73, No. 12 — December 6, 1968 Editor....................................... Jan Kelley Page 1 editor.................. June Ammon Page 2 editor .................Marlene Feves Page 3 editor.................. Bruce Fishback Page 4 editor ....................Martha Ojard Reporters .... .Debby Liesch, Katherine McGregor, Kathi Robinson, Lisa Rose, Debbie Rovech, Gary Cogill Photographer ................ Joyce DeMonnin Advertising Manager .... Kathy Walton Circulation Manager .. Kathy McGregor Circulation Staff ... .Margaret Hadden, Mary Ann Hutton Advisor ............................... Willard Mohn
