Students at Princess Margaret Secondary School are petitioning for changes to disciplinary practices and conditions on campus, saying they want a greater say in decisions that affect them.

In a petition, students allege that punishments have sometimes been excessive or inconsistent. They are calling for students to be heard before serious disciplinary decisions are made.

The petition describes an incident in which a young student was allegedly left crying outside the school gate after arriving late. Its author says the principal responded “And?” when the student’s distress was pointed out. That account has not been independently verified.

Students also say they have difficulty accessing drinking water during the school day and that a shortage of chairs leaves some searching for seats or sitting on desks. They raise concerns about heat, crowded cafeteria lines, limited lunch time, flooding and maintenance.

The petition calls for more reliable access to water, adequate seating, improvements to facilities and ventilation, a review of lunch arrangements, and more activities and student involvement.

“We are not asking for a school without rules,” the petition says. “We are asking for fairness, compassion, basic necessities, better conditions, and a school where students feel heard, respected, and proud to belong.”

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Princess Margaret Secondary School Students Petition for Fairer Discipline, Water and More Chairs.