Students may be surprised to find out that the gym is not open for everyone’s use. In order to use the gym students must be enrolled in a fitness class that utilizes the gym or in a new program called Fitness Academy. Fitness Academy gives flexibility to go to the gym but students still need to fill out time cards and talk to instructors regularly, plus there are still the unit fees. We here at the Skyline View feel that the gym should be open to all students whether they are registered for a fitness class or not. We’re not talking about having it open 24/7 but maybe having designated times for students to use free of cost, that way students won’t interfere with fitness classes but still can get a nice workout if they wanted to. Last year the learning center started to charge for students to use tutoring services and by having to pay for the gym it’s happening again. What’s next? Will they charge us for using the internet, for teacher handouts, or even charge us for reading this newspaper? All are necessary and charging for them is absurd. Although students can use the track field, tennis courts, and soccer fields, anything indoor is prohibited to use. This includes indoor basketball courts, the weight room and yoga room. Students who are registered for classes generate money for the school. But still if no classes are occupying the room at the time and if an instructor is present or willing why not allow students to use the gym. The United States is facing an obesity epidemic, especially in youths so why not try to give us a free opportunity to combat the problem. According to a 2006 survey done by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website, most states have 20% to 29% obese residents and in Mississippi and West Virginia have 30% and above. Some students at Skyline because of parent disapproval are not allowed to “waste their time” with physical endeavors but may still want to better their physical health. Students who have maxed out units will also not be able to add the extra class. The goal of education is to better one’s self. By limiting the people who can use the gym we are denying them education. Why deny the students from achieving their goals?