Honor Code

There is an ongoing debate whether an honor code in school is beneficial. Critics contest that it is just an extra set of rules for students to ignore. However, the purpose of an honor code is to cultivate integrity in the academic community through its rules and principles. With clear expectations, the honor code sets a moral standard for the students. Canterbury School should maintain the honor code because it creates a trustworthy environment, reduces the academic offenses, and helps develop a strong character in students. The honor code is a force in the school community that creates a trustworthy environment. Through simple rules not to cheat, lie, and steal the honor code has a clear vision for the type of community and environment

Students who have an honor code to follow have a responsibility to follow it and to help others do the same. They influence the culture by how they follow the school’s code. Through a positive feedback loop, honest students set an example that others can follow, creating an overall honest student body (Source C). Honesty is a large part of having good character, and honor codes teach this to students. This is good for the school community, but it is also a characteristic that students gain for life. Honor codes have been found to change students behaviors for the better. As one publication for higher education states, “ the efforts expended at these schools to help students understand the value of academic integrity, and the responsibilities they have assumed as members of the campus community, convince many students, most of whom have cheated in high school, to change their behavior” (Source F). This suggests that students whose schools have honor codes develop important traits such as responsibility and honesty while learning to become an active, selfless member in their community. By upholding the beliefs of an honor system, students engrain these beliefs into their daily lives. A school should maintain an honor code because it is beneficial to the school and the whole community as students carry on these traits of a strong character when they