FEDERAL WAY, Wash. — Two years ago, Jeremy Nicholls was an 8th-grader at Totem Junior High and a member of the teachers quorum in the Star Lake Ward when a school teacher expected him to view an R-rated movie as part of a class assignment.

He stood by his standards and told her that he could not view the film. Because of his stand, the Federal Way School Board voted three to one on March 25, 2002, to ban R-rated movies from all classrooms in the school district.

The issue began when Jeremy told his teacher that he would not watch the R-rated movie. "I could tell she was upset," he said. "I could have just let it go and not told my parents but I knew it wasn't right."

Jeremy's father, Randy Nicholls, who is first counselor in the Federal Way Washington Stake presidency, approached school officials and then the school board, all to no avail. When a new school board was organized early in 2002, the Nicholls felt impressed to revisit the issue. To their surprise, the board initially offered unanimous support for their concerns. "I was afraid we would get a lot of opposition like before, but when I approached them, we all agreed that R-rated movies aren't good for our kids," Brother Nicholls said.

When the board addressed the issue on March 25, the room was overwhelmed with highly committed, "well-organized . . . parents and students," as one letter to the editor of a local paper put it. Under the previous procedure, developed by the superintendent's office, viewing of movies rated "G" through "R" by the Motion Picture Association of America was permissible, providing the teacher obtained permission from the school principal to show the film. Parent permission slips were also required for movies carrying more than a "G" rating — something that many parents say did not happen. "This procedure, which doesn't have the same weight as a policy, was not well followed," said Federal Way School Board President, Earl VanDorien. "Many parents do not allow their kids to watch R-rated movies, myself included. The children and parents deserved an actual policy."

It was under the previous procedure that Jeremy Nicholls was singled out because of his standards and his relationship with his teacher was strained. He recalls, "It didn't feel right after that."

For their efforts, concerned community members were pleased to hear of the adoption of a policy regarding instructional materials, which utilizes the MPAA rating system as a guideline for classroom movie viewing. The policy specifically states that films rated "R" or "NC-17" are not authorized to be shown on Federal Way School District property at any time. Written permission must still be granted by the principal and parent consent is required for all students viewing movies carrying restrictions greater than a 'G' rating. "We've been part of the silent majority for too long and we need to stand up," said Cindy Griffiths, the parent of a Federal Way senior and a member of the Lakota Creek Ward.

Jeremy Nicholls is one who chose not to be silent. He challenges, "Don't be afraid to stand up for what you believe in, to peers or even teachers. You can make your opinion known and changes can be made. I did."