The declaration was originally passed down from the Falls Church City School Board as a way to reinforce the 26th Amendment (the main provision of which sets the voting age at 18), as well as other federal laws that coincide with becoming an adult. It enables students to choose to take on extra responsibility in the place of their parents. Such responsibilities include providing signatures for permission slips, athletic physicals and other forms. Students are also liable to deal with school-related issues concerning part-time employment, use of motor vehicles and questioning by the police. Once a student has signed the declaration, the administration may refer directly to the student instead of his or her parents in situations in which  parents would normally act as their child’s advocate.

One of the controversial provisions of the 18 Year Old Declaration allows student to sign in and out of school without parental consent, although they are still subject to the same GMHS attendance rules. (Photo by Margaret Lipman)

While all the same attendance rules apply, the most controversial provision of the document allows “declared” students to sign themselves in and out of school without parental notification. This clause has teachers and administrators concerned. “We’ve seen a lack of good attendance and, as a result, grades seem to suffer,” said Ms. Amy Kurjanowicz, head of the Counseling Department. “They [the students] think they’re benefiting from it, but they’re not.”

English teacher Ms. Paige Whitlock has also noticed the trend that once the declaration was administered, more seniors began to sign themselves out as sick. “I think it’s adversely affecting attendance. Before a test or a quiz, the student can just sign out,” said Whitlock.

To put it euphemistically, some students have certainly made the most of the freedom to excuse themselves from class. “I have to admit that I have signed myself out to avoid deadlines I hadn’t met or work I hadn’t finished,” said one senior boy who asked that his name be withheld. While leaving school for this reason would normally be considered unexcused, the administration is expected to take the student’s word for it, as they would a parent’s, unless there is probable reason to suspect otherwise.

Nonetheless, many seniors find the declaration merely a convenience. “It’s a hassle to have to ask my parents to sign everything,” said Jesse Wilson. Sarah Meyer, who signed her declaration after she turned 18 in December said, “My parents work, so sometimes it’s just easier to account for myself.” Other students see it as yet another, if less significant, privilege that accompanies becoming a legal adult. “I wanted to do anything I could to take advantage of being 18,” said Carmen Reich. Lillian Patterson, who plans on signing her declaration when she turns 18 in a few weeks, added, “Once I’m 18 I feel like I can be responsible for myself.”

Yet even some seniors are wary of being completely accountable for their actions without the support of parents. “When I found out it would make me responsible for everything, even transcripts and report cards, I decided it wasn’t worth it anymore,” said Ashley Thompson who had considered the declaration, but changed her mind.

Some administrators believe the declaration is more related to the relationship between a student and his or her parents than that between the student and the administration. “As a parent, I would just want to know when my child was signing out,” said Mrs. Whitlock, echoing this concern. In the long run, the declaration is only one small part of reaching adulthood at 18. The right to vote, the ability to purchase cigarettes and lottery tickets, and the obligation for males to enroll in the Selective Service also accompany this rite of passage. In fact, by turning 18, a young adult is no longer legally obligated to attend school at all. “The bigger issues about turning 18, and the really weighty ones, happen anyway,” said Mr. Guy, “Relative to those, I don’t think the 18-Year-Old Declaration serves any great purpose.”