Why Assemblies Need Reform

An assembly in 2024. Image by Mingze Shi.

Bellevue has a problem with its assemblies. It’s not that assemblies lack spirit,  instead, assemblies are too unruly. This is especially prevalent when it comes to one of the most important symbols of American public schools: the national anthem, for one, it takes too much time for the audience of students to get quiet, and then even during the anthem, students do not stay quiet. The anthem isn’t important because it’s simply a tradition, rather it’s a foundational principle of the United States. Furthermore, students at Bellevue agree with this exact sentiment.

Junior Akshith Chilamcharla remarks, “The anthem should be respected, no matter the occasion. Overt support [is not] necessary, but interrupting it undermines its purpose.”

Although some assemblies do not have problems, recently there have been instances of random shouting interrupting the choir from singing the anthem. Not only does it undermines the anthem, but it also hurts students who work towards assembly performances.

Junior Nora Nielsen states, “I understand completely how it feels to be at assemblies, and I hope Bellevue students recognize and appreciate the hard work and passion that Jacobson puts into choir.”

Assemblies are supposed to be an effective way to bring the school body together, yet when they become so unruly, to the point where they sacrifice important traditional procedures, they lose all purpose. Many students argue they may not have much in common with the anthem and don’t see the importance of the anthem. However, the anthem is something that has the power to unify all students, representing the idea that we can support American values, even if we disagree about specific policies.

Keeping the anthem smooth is not something the BHS administration can simply do or enforce, rather students at BHS must take up it upon themselves to keep assemblies professional during the anthem, stopping side conversations during the anthem, and reminding friends of its importance.