Drug use and cheating are a pervasive problem in many high schools. Offenders are often rightfully punished with a quick lash of consequences. Cheating and drug use may seem like two completely different subjects, but they share similar concepts. Both are against the rules and, in most cases, can become habit forming if not dealt with quickly and firmly. Consequences of these infractions often entail contacting the student’s guardian, and in the case of drug use, could include police involvement. Harsh punishments should be given to students who break rules in order to teach them that their actions are unacceptable.

According to the 2008–2009 Most of Us Survey, 12.4 percent of Gunn students said that they have tried or used marijuana. That amounts to 236 people in the whole school. Gunn’s response to drug use is vigorous and usually results in police involvement. In addition to punishments, Gunn also uses preventive methods to combat drug use such as assemblies and counselor intervention. Education, however, is not enough. If students try drugs once in a while and get away with it, their habits may never change. Users will also continue to spread these harmful habits to others who see the lack of punishment as an acceptance of their behavior—ruining their own lives and possibly others. People who get away with something once often commit the same act again.

Cheating is a destructive and unfair habit that is relatively common among students. Despite the fact that teachers give students an equal chance for academic success at Gunn, some students still choose to gain an unfair advantage. These actions are often met with consequences depending on the severity of the cheating. According to the student handbook, any type of academic dishonesty gives the student an F for the assignment and after a repeat offense the student is suspended and dropped from the class. It is imperative that each infraction is met with these consequences because if a student is let go, it sends the message that cheating is acceptable. While letting a student off the hook after catching them copying a homework assignment may seem insignificant, it is unfair to the other students in the class and robs the student of a valuable life lesson. Most teachers warn students that any suspicious actions will result in punishment, yet students still cheat.

Some students would say that these punishments are too harsh, but it is the only way that the school has to control these unlawful acts. Trusting students to do the right thing does not work because there are always those that choose to abuse this trust. Harsh punishments are the bast way to enforce good conduct because they set an example to keep students from repeating their mistakes. As long as the administration clearly states the rules and consequences of breaking them, it is the students’ responsibility to follow the rules and learn from their mistakes.