With the new school year in full swing, many changes are evident as well. One that surprised many is the end of the uno cial “anti-pep rally” – which allowed students who didn’t want to attend football pep rallies to sit in another gym and study and talk quietly with friends.

Many students are upset with the decision, and are asking why the change was made.

Should students be forced to show school spirit? Some students and faculty may really enjoy the pep rally and get into the spirit of the event, but it’s unrealistic to expect every student to feel the same way.

For those who want to skip out on the pep rally, the reasons are endless – wanting to avoid the crowd, the noise level, fatigue of watching the same old shenanigans. For some, dealing with the crowd and noise can cause serious – and unnecessary – stress.

For those who preferred the “anti-pep rally” it became an escape of sorts. It was a chance to study for a big test or finish homework before leaving for a job after school.

While the school’s desire for all students to be proud of the athletic program’s accomplishments is understandable, and while it’s true that with a smaller school it’s an opportunity to fit all students into the gym as once, the school should immediately reconsider its abandonment of the pep rally alternative.