The cell phone wars could go on, as parents say they may appeal the ruling of a judge who sided with the city in its ban on cell phones in public schools. The lawsuit by eight parents claimed the Department of Education policy violates the constitutional rights of students and parents, who say cell phones are needed in case of emergencies. Some students NY1 spoke with said they believe they should be able to have their cell phones on hand, as long as they are responsible with them. "I really need my cell phone to get in contact with my mother because she's always calling me and I need to call her to tell her where I'm going, what I'm doing,” said one student. “And I think it's going to be a giant loss if we lose our cell phones, not because so we can talk to our friends, but for basic responsibility purposes.” “If I take the bus in the morning they'll call me in the morning and they like for me to call them when I get out of school,” said another student. But the DOE says the policy preserves a safe learning environment for students, arguing cell phones are disruptive and can be used for cheating. The judge agreed saying the decision on whether cell phones should be permitted in schools should be left up to the DOE, and not the court. The city's lead attorney on the case says the court did the right thing.
6 years ago
