Is A Water Balloon Worth A Suspension?

It’s that time again. As the days get warmer, some students bring out the water balloons. And that, in turn, brings up a lot of questions: Are these water balloon fights dangerous, or are they fun? What are the consequences of having water balloon fights?

In an effort to keep water balloon fights from getting out of hand, school administration has decided to suspend any student caught with water balloons, water guns, or other related items. These measures are intended to keep students safe and to protect school property.

“The water fights have been a huge problem,” says English teacher Ms. Sova. “It disrupts my classes because students use the water fountain next to my room to fill up cups and balloons. I worry that someone will get hurt because the students run top speed throughout the hallways.”

Security guard Jorge Vega agrees. “Students could get hurt as a result of water balloon fights,” he says. Both he and Ms. Sova are afraid that students could slip and get injured because of the water on the floor.

“It could also result in other students getting mad, resulting in a physical altercation,” he adds.

Junior Ruben Luna could see that happening. “People get mad if they're not in the fight but they still get wet or hit with a balloon hard in the face,” he says.

Eastside student Bruce Crispin sees the water balloon fights differently. “Water balloon fights are very fun and good for the students to cool down in the hot temperature,” he says. “The school should have water balloon fights very often.”

Perhaps there’s a solution that could make everyone happy. For example, the school could schedule a supervised water balloon fight on the grass. In the absence of such a solution, however, school policy mandates that any students caught with water balloons will be suspended.

What do you think? Is suspension a fair punishment for students caught with water balloons? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.