Note: To respect the affected parties of the petition and abide by Faith Lutheran High School’s rules, the specific subject matter behind the petition has not been included.

At a private religious school such as Faith Lutheran, many rules are implemented to create a safe, inexcusable, and precise education and atmosphere to distinguish itself from other schools in the Las Vegas valley. However, some of these rules strike a nerve against many students and members of the Faith family. In a recent act by students of Faith Lutheran, a petition was created to challenge specific rules within the school’s handbook to change the ideals the school is based upon.

“The point of the petition is to challenge different views within the student body and the administration,” said senior, Gigi Lee.

“If anything happens from this, more conversation will happen from different people. The administration will not act on this petition, but they’ll create new conversations on what students stand for.”

The petition was published and made public on www.change.org (a site that encourages petitions and acts of change) two months ago. Currently, 737 supporters have signed in support of the petition, and many students, alumni, and parents took a stand against the administration. Students from all grade levels spoke out on the petition’s goal, with sophomore, Koby Dickerson, being one of the first students to raise awareness on the petition.

“The point of the petition is to get administration to overturn some of their rules. I don’t know if our goal will be accomplished, but it’s certainly worth trying. It’s their protected right as a private business to function as they please,” said Dickerson.

“We’re not challenging them on a legal standpoint. The administration seems very firm on their rules, and won’t change, but I’m happy to see people unite as a student body. The administration will treat the petition with respect, and will respect the fact that we’re voicing our opinions and standing up for what we believe in.”

Along with the realization that changing Faith Lutheran’s handbook wasn’t likely, junior Joe Choo explained that Faith Lutheran’s placement under a governing body wouldn’t permit changes in their handbook easily:

“Faith Lutheran is governed by a larger body: the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. Any substantial change requested by Faith would have to be approved by the Missouri Synod. That’s the toughest thing about this petition, as it addresses such a blanket subject which would make significant change less likely. In the end, Faith is a private school under an institution and are entitled to their decisions. I hope that the administration would at least address the petition and that the petitioners will listen in return,” said Choo.

However, Faith Lutheran’s High School Principal, Mr. Fogo noted that addressing the greater student body and staff would invade a student’s privacy, and would not be allowed from a legal standpoint.

“It is against our practice and sometimes the law to address anything that has to do with another student. Privacy is really important. A few times during my 6 years as a principal, students were becoming upset about things and I did address them in front of the student body. I think it is important to communicate but there are many instances that go on at school that I cannot talk about,” said Fogo.

Although, Mr. Fogo along with the administration takes any complaint or petition seriously, as Mr. Fogo explaines the process for handing situations such as these:

“Whenever an issue arises, we meet with the people who are upset and whatever faculty person is responsible for the applicable issue. For the most part, it is a simple issue. We want our students to have a good experience here so we have changed things when possible. Truthfully, I feel like our faculty and students exist in a pretty non-confrontational culture. When we hear that students are upset about something, we usually try to fix it before a petition is needed. We always ask that people come speak with us first. At least then, the true facts will come out. But most of the time, students are happy after leaving my office.”

Despite the students outcry and discontentment regarding certain rules and guidelines laid out at Faith Lutheran, Mr. Fogo assures every member of the Faith family that the administration only wants to provide a positive and loving atmosphere for all students, with the foundation of love coming from the foundation of Christianity.

“It is important to understand the heart of the faculty and administration here. We have committed to two main principles. The first is that the foundation of everything we are committed to do is scriptural. Our foundation and focus is on scripture and on the saving grace of Jesus Christ. We want students to have a stronger faith in Jesus when they leave Faith Lutheran. The other is that we love our students. We want our students to feel loved while they are here. Part of the love is committing to preparing our students for  college or whatever they want to pursue after high school. We know we are imperfect at both of these but we are committed to working hard when we fall short”, Fogo said.

No matter what rules or opinions the school may have, Faith Lutheran’s administration wants every student to have a meaningful and growing experience as a student, parent, faculty member, or lack thereof.

As this school year soon comes to a close, Faith Lutheran will continue to abide by their previous rules with no changes being made to the handbook. With the mission statement proclaiming, “Everyone prepared! Everyone saved!”, Faith Lutheran High School administration will continue to strive for educational and spiritual success among students, families, and faculty.