by Madeline Heinsen, staff reporter

Controversial ban of eight years on whether cell phones should be allowed in public school took a drastic turn when it was lifted on Monday, March 2nd, 2015. The Department of Education Committee took a vote to repeal the ban which was issued under Michael Bloomberg.

“I think the cell phone policy is appropriate because if you aren’t using your phone for educational purposes then it is definitely a source of distraction,” high school math teacher Mr.Gardner said.

Although the ban has been lifted, this new policy allows individual schools to set their own policy. This soothes the complaints parents had towards the ban. Parent’s were previously not pleased because they were not allowed to contact their children before and after school.

Now that students are being allowed to obtain their devices during school hours, it gives them a sense of comfort and safety. If an emergency were to occur, students are able to contact their parents immediately.

“It didn’t really affect me since my school wasn’t strict on this policy but I feel like banning cell phones is bad because you need a phone to contact your parents in case of an emergency,” eighth grader Michael Fourniotis said.

This ban has been lifted and cell phones will be allowed in public schools with authorization of the principals. This ban has never directly affected the students of WJPS and the rules remain the same. Students are expected to keep their devices off and in their lockers during the school day.