MCPS’s ID policy requires all students and staff to wear an ID at all times to ensure that anyone entering the building is authorized to be there and to avoid people sneaking in.

It’s well-known that MCPS’ ID policy hasn’t been liked by students since it was introduced; Ever since the start of the 2025-2026 school year, Rockville has doubled down on the ID policy.

RHS’s student body hasn’t been shy about its distaste for the policy; having called it “annoying,” “an extra responsibility,” and “uncomfortable.”

To many students, their ID is a burden for multiple reasons, as they sometimes forget where they left it upon heading to school, or it can just be uncomfortable. The sticker IDs aren’t any better, as they constantly fall off, which leads to a bigger hassle, and the drastic consequences of being seen without an ID only complicate matters more.

Students don’t want to get into any trouble for not wearing an ID, and there is no reason a staff member should want to cause trouble for a student.

Vice Principal Monica Kellison, who pulls students for not wearing an ID or sticker. When I asked her how many students she had pulled over for not wearing an ID or sticker during lunch, Kellison had responded with, “Too many. I should not have to stop students.”.

No one likes getting lunch detention or giving it, especially when students might otherwise use the time to make up a test or work.

If ID policy brings such a hassle to the school, shouldn’t it be changed?

IDs do have their pros, as they help keep students and staff safe from dangerous people who could try to enter the building without permission, but isn’t there a better way to do this than wearing an ID?