The question of lunchtime boundaries is an inquiry into the freedom and trustworthiness of students. Can they be trusted to return back to school? How will the guards keep track of who/what enters the premises? Where do we find the time to allow them to leave? These are all substantial concerns, but nothing worth throwing the idea away hastily.

One of the main arguments for students would be the cuisine; they just want something tasty and satisfying not served on a Styrofoam tray. It is no secret that frozen foods are a majority of what makes up a cafeteria lunch, which isn’t anyone’s fault. However, just because fresh lunches cannot fit within the budget doesn’t mean the students must suffer for it. Packed lunches are an option, yes, but there are plenty of people who are much too busy to pack a lunch daily.

Now, there are many other schools that have systems for students to leave.

Take Berkeley for example. Zoe Blake is a senior there and described how they have an “open lunch” from 12-1 p.m. every day in order for upperclassmen to drive and pick up food and/or use that time to study or take naps. If underclassmen wanted to come, they can ride in the car with them and come back for their afternoon classes at 1 p.m. Hot lunch is still served at the high school, but students are given an option. That is a privilege not offered at Monroe High.

“For students with four (morning) classes, especially those with more intense courses, having an hour long break in between classes is a lifesaver… If we didn’t have an open lunch, I think I would go insane,” Blake said.

A big concern is trust; who can be trusted to drive people off campus and bring them back safely and on time? Well, those that have a license have automatically shown they can drive well enough to pass a state exam and can lawfully be relied upon. Driving off campus is a serious perk and nothing to be taken lightly. Because the school day starts so early, having that brain break will help refocus students so they can learn more efficiently, which is a win for everybody.

At the very least, the benches outside the front gates need to be opened to students eating lunch when it is hot outside and an open lunch period should be considered. No matter what red flags pop up, give open lunch a chance. There are many examples of how it is done, and done successfully, and when responsibility is put into the hands of the students, they will rise to the occasion.