It’s been ten years since the Honor Code was first introduced at Langley, and for ten years thousands of students have been scribbling “OMH” next to their name and signing their initials. While some take this pledge to heart, others find it meaningless.
After ten years of changing culture in and out of school, some have forgotten the true meaning and essence of the honor code. An anonymous source admitted, “The only time I remember my teachers going over the honor code was when they went over school policies on the first day.” Because of statements like this, the LHS staff has found it necessary this year to rededicate the honor code.
But what exactly does this rededication mean? Sophomore Bayleigh Young admitted, “I have no idea what it even means to rededicate an honor code.” To clarify the term, Ms. Anna Cohen, chairwoman of the Honor Council, defined it as an “emphasis on the remembrance of the honor code.”
To ensure that the rededication of the honor code takes effect, both students and teachers have been asked to define what cheating is. Some teachers have dedicated class time to having students discuss what cheating means to them. During a recent meeting, teachers were also asked to define cheating in their own words.
To aid students and teachers in understanding the honor code better, Ms. Cohen suggests visiting the Frequently Asked Questions section of the honor code tab that is posted on the Langley High School website.
“It is important for everyone at Langley to have honor, integrity, and pride in their work,” said Ms. Cohen.
Principal Matthew Ragone summarized the rededication in a few words. “We just want to make sure that teachers and students still understand it, and remember what cheating is.”