|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
|
CONTACT: Bill Thomas |
State Rep. Angel Cruz |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cruz looking to ban students from having cell phones in school
Legislation would add cell phones to list of electronics prohibited in public schools
PHILADELPHIA, March 12 -- State Rep. Angel Cruz, D-Phila., will introduce legislation prohibiting students from having cell phones in Pennsylvania schools. The bill would place cell phones and other electronic devices that record or play audio and video material on the list of prohibited electronics, which already includes beepers and pagers.
Cruz said cell phones and other electronics are a distraction for both students and teachers, and can take away from the learning process.
“Cell phones have no place in a classroom because they are a nuisance, especially when they go off in class and disrupt the work of our teachers,” Cruz said. “Also, cell phones, camera phones and other devices that can record audio or video are being used by students to cheat on tests and violate other school policies.”
Cruz added that cell phones also are seen as status symbols, which aid in the proliferation of gang activity and violence, and can be used in the spread and distribution of drugs and other illegal activity.
The measure being proposed by Cruz would not apply to students who are volunteer firefighters or need a cell phone to tend to family members with a serious medical condition.
For more information regarding this legislation, or other issues important to you and your community, please contact Cruz’s constituent service office at 215-291-5643, or visit his Web site at www.pahouse.com/cruz.
###wt/2007/mjh
l:\print\releases\cellphoneban.180