Whether it is for doing homework or hanging out, the library is a popular spot for students during free periods. But since Sept. 4, yellow open period cards have become necessary in order to enter the library and the career center as well. This same card allows students to go off-campus during free periods if it has been stamped and approved by the student’s parents and AP Secretary. Cards are distributed by AP secretaries Monique Orozco and Lisa Mueller in the office by filling out an open period form. The yellow open period cards have been used for four years now.

Santa Clara County police officers help enforce this off-campus policy by checking that students have their yellow card with them. Without the pass, students are sent back to campus.

“Some schools don’t have [off campus] passes, they have a curfew from eight a.m. to two p.m. instead. Students not at school there are cited if they are caught [off campus],” assistant principal Brad Metheany said. “Other schools require students to wear their student IDs on a lanyard around their neck. We don’t have students do either of those things. We have the yellow card… and I think it’s reasonable.”

According to Metheany, the main reasons for the yellow card are to prevent students from skipping class and keep those students who do skip class from abusing the library and Career Center’s resources.

The policy was seen to be slightly unreasonable by some students due to a general assumption that not many students skip class. Students without the open period pass did their work outside or wandered the campus, because they could not get into the library.

Sophomores Sneha Bolineni and Sai Morramreddi were turned away by a librarian during fourth period. Bolinel thinks that the card was unnecessary, but acknowledges he reasons why the card was implemented.

“If there are other classes in there and they need the computer, then I can see why the card is needed. Free period students are just working on homework in there,” Bolineni said.