There have been many changes in Albany High School this year. One of the most controversial adjustments affecting students is the limited access of tower 5.

On the second floor, tower 5 is located in front of the library. Being that is is found in the middle of the hallway, it was used more frequently than the other tower staircases.

This year, to the dismay of many, students are not allowed to access this staircase from the second floor. It has not been a favorable decision but it is one in which the students of Albany High have had to become accustomed to.

According to the school, the reason for the tower 5 blockade is to minimize the crowds that would frequently accumulate in front of the library and to keep the traffic in the halls moving. Ironically, the hall by tower 5 continues to remain crowded. The sign on the doors of tower 5 read “TOWER 5 2ND FLOOR IS CLOSED NO THRU TRAFFIC.”

The blockade may be seen as more of a nuisance than a benefit for our school. The traffic has moved to tower 4. Another issue among students is that in rushing to class, many forget tower 5 is blocked and they are marked late to class.

According to Jabari Walker, a senior at Albany High, “It’s just not logical.” He continued to say that having a class in the center on the third floor makes it hard to have to “walk all the way to tower 4 or 6” due to the blockade.

Is the tower 5 blockade the best decision for Albany High School?