The senior class is boycotting a new parking rule that requires 12th graders to park in the top lot. Many students have expressed frustration over the change, with some parking in the bottom lot as an act of rebellion.
This new regulation has led to heated discussions among seniors, with many defying the rule. Executive Class President Aaron M. informed the Class of 2025 WhatsApp group on Aug. 27 that seniors must park in the top lot on the first day of school. However, he assured classmates that the student council is working to change the parking location for future days.
“We were going to have downstairs parking, but the school screwed it up,” Aaron wrote in a WhatsApp message. “It’s fine, we’re talking with security, and it’ll be fine.”
In response, many students expressed anger and confusion, noting they had been promised the bottom lot last school year.
On Sept. 3, Aaron provided an update on the student council’s efforts to secure the bottom lot.
“Hi guys, so sadly Mr. Masserman and Mr. Marcus were not open to hearing [Executive Vice President] Ava’s and my argument about the parking lot,” Aaron wrote. “So it looks like we will be parking upstairs for the year.”
Upset student responses soon flooded the Class of 2025 chat:
“#SAVE OUR LOT,” one senior wrote.
“Revolt. I say we all get there early and park downstairs,” another student texted.
“This is such BS.”
“Everyone needs to speak up tomorrow to see if Mr. Masserman will change his mind.”
“First they change our dean, and now they change our lot.”
Dean of 12th grade Darren Masserman addressed the class on Wednesday, Sept. 4 at a meeting to discuss the parking controversy.
“I want to talk about the elephant in the room,” Masserman said. “Traditionally, seniors have always parked on the top level. I know there have been some years where they haven’t, but I think that’s only happened when there have been special situations because of class size.”
Loud talking erupted after Masserman finished speaking.
“I will be completely honest with you,” Masserman continued. “If there were any conversations that anybody had with a dean or with somebody else about changing [this rule], I was not made aware of it.”
Masserman also told the class that if students continued to park in the lower lot, they would get a ticket and their parking privileges might get revoked.
This statement led to even more frustration, with many seniors raising their voices in anger. Masserman then told the group that he and Upper Grade Level Dean Orit Shwartz would be available during lunch that day to speak about the issue.
Senior Yalley D. said she thinks forcing seniors to park upstairs is disrespectful.
“We should be able to decide where we want to park,” Yalley said. “We are upperclassmen, and the school should respect the seniors’ wants and needs.”
Beyond concerns about respect, many upperclassmen complained about the practical drawbacks of parking on the upper lot, including longer wait times and lack of shade. Senior Zachary B. said he plans to speak with Masserman about the time it takes to leave the top lot after school.
“If I am parked on the top lot, it takes 20-25 minutes to get out,” Zachary said. “When I park on the bottom, I get out within two minutes; it’s perfect.”
The executive student council emailed Masserman about the lot switch and shared the grade’s concerns. Executive Secretary Sunny B. said that although the situation is frustrating, it is not the most pressing issue the student council is dealing with.
“We don’t all need to meet with the dean,” Sunny said. “I wish Mr. Masserman allowed us to talk about the issue altogether instead of meeting with us individually. It’s hard to get a point across when it’s just an adult to a kid.”
Sunny suggested that 10 representatives from the senior class should meet with Masserman instead of individual meetings.
“You often need more than one person to talk to an adult,” Sunny said. “Especially if it’s about something that’s more than just a grade issue.”
Despite widespread student interest in discussing the matter, only four students attended the meeting with Masserman during lunch.
“I think this is something that eventually people will get used to and hopefully get over,” Masserman said. “Senior year is going to have so many other things going on. I think this will fade into the background as we go along.”
Both Sunny and Masserman expressed confidence that the issue would be resolved, but the Class of 2025 WhatsApp group exploded after school on Friday, Sept. 6, with angry texts about how security had barricaded the top lot and made seniors leave school last, behind parents and juniors.
No resolution to the parking controversy has been reached, but Masserman remains optimistic.
Grade-level deans are expected to vote on whether the senior class can decide where to park by the end of the year.
“This has never happened before because we’ve never had seniors voice their opinions,” Masserman said. “Unfortunately, this [new vote] won’t impact seniors this year, but going forward, it will. I hope that people will take satisfaction knowing they’ve left their mark.”
