Gonzaga’s Student Government Association President Benji Garland released on Jan. 10 a video on the Gonzaga SJA Instagram account saying that wearing any kind of headphones in the hallways is now prohibited. This video sparked a lot of controversy within Gonzaga’s student body. One side thinks that students should be allowed to listen to music, and the other side thinks that the new policy is a good idea.
Listening to music in the hallways for five minutes in between classes gives students time to relax and not have to think about only school. However, listening to music in the hallways also makes it harder for students to interact with one another. This is the main argument and purpose of the no headphones policy in the first place.
The SGA, in association with Student Services, believes that with the growing popularity of wearing headphones during the transition periods, students are missing out on time to interact with each other. The SGA fears that guys on campus are more involved in what is going on with their phones than with their friends.
“The purpose of not allowing headphones in the hallways is to ensure that nobody on our campus is closing doors to interactions throughout the school day. It’s totally understandable to listen to music while studying or completing other activities, but passing periods are great opportunities to build bonds,” Garland said.
The Assistant Dean of Students Mr. Anthony Cerra shares a similar view as SGA President Benji Garland.
“I am in full support of it. Without it, there would be social disconnect,” Mr. Cerra said.
Gonzaga’s student body is built on the idea of brotherhood and connecting with fellow students. It is tough for students to do that if instead of talking to each other they are listening to music. However, this is not the opinion of every Gonzaga student.
“I don’t think headphones should be outright banned in the halls, but I think it should be discouraged because it’s more enjoyable to walk through the halls when everyone is present in their surroundings and talking,” said Tim Barloon, senior.
Whether students are allowed to wear headphones in the hallways or not, Gonzaga will continue to have a unique sense of closeness among the student body. No amount of music or lack thereof will stop Gonzaga students from bonding and getting to connect with one another.