Changes in the Dorms: An Analysis

As the boarding community returns to Springs for the 2025-2026 school year there seems to be a number of changes to the daily decorum. Though policies here at Springs always change gradually from year to year, this year has seen one of the most noteworthy changes in a while. The dorms being closed during the day was an unexpected alteration to the typical boarding rules. Although the cameras added at each exit last spring semester also seemed a surprise, it was quite a shock for returning boarding students to discover that they would no longer be allowed to eat lunch, retrieve their items, or get some extra sleep during their free periods in the dorms. 

Now, I’m not saying I disagree with the policy. I am certainly not one to stick around in the dorms all day, but I do think it is worth talking about the changes that have been made. The dorms closing, later study hall, and cameras on the exits all seem starkly different from the rules of the past few years. Although I don’t believe there is anything wrong with change around here, I think the main issue (and a lot of the discontent among the students) comes from what I would call the “Because I say so" rule.

Do you remember when you were younger and you’d ask your mom or dad to let you do something? Whether it was to buy a new toy, go outside to play, or watch cartoons and they’d simply say “no.” So, naturally, your response would be “why?” And, whether it was for a good reason or not, they’d respond “Because I say so.” Arguably one of the most frustrating responses one can receive from an authority figure. So, this is what I believe is disheartening to a lot of students. I obviously can’t speak for everyone, but I think that many simply want a discussion over new rules. Indian Springs has prided itself for years on being the school that is run by students and “meets you at yes.”

Of course, many aren’t aggrieved by the new rules. The closed dorm policy arguably teaches soon-to-be-adults responsibility, time management, and lets them interact with other students outside the classroom. All good things by my standards, but it is the lack of conversation that makes students feel slightly indignant.

Unfortunately, the “Because I say so” response to questions of why things have changed never quite gets the point across from the other side. It may shut down the questions, but I think it damages the student-administration relationships that I’ve found are particularly strong at Springs. Some might jump to say the students here are acting entitled by begrudgingly following the new rules and, while we obviously aren’t entitled to the privileges we are lucky to have here, I think it’s fair for kids who have come to a place with the motto “Learning Through Living” to want to do just that. There is certainly some merit to “question everything,” an ideal often instilled by teachers at Springs. When you disagree with something, it is always worth pursuing it. I’m sure the new rules here at Springs are here to stay for at least the rest of the year, but I do hope that some consideration will be put into having a conversation with the community that has grown so fond of that motto: Discere Vivendo.