School Daze

During Homecoming Weekend at Mission College in Georgia, students and alumni gather to celebrate the school's traditions. This time, however, the atmosphere is charged as passionate senior Dap organizes a protest rally concerning the college's ties to apartheid in South Africa.

Dap Dunlap takes center stage at the rally, rallying his fellow students to stand against the administration's complicity in apartheid. His passionate speech captures the attention of many, evoking both support and conflict among the students.

The peaceful protest faces disruption when members of the Gamma Phi Gamma fraternity arrive, including Dap's former friend Julian. This leads to a heated exchange between Dap and Julian, highlighting the growing tensions on campus.

Inside the administration building, Chairman Cedar Cloud instructs President Harold McPherson to put a stop to Dap's activism. This marks a significant point where institutional authority sides with the fraternity against the students' movement.

Dap meets with his activist friends Grady, Monroe, Jordan, Edge, and Booker T. They discuss the importance of their cause but voice concerns about their futures and the impact of the protests on their potential careers after graduation.

The Gamma Rays, led by Julian's girlfriend Jane, clash with Dap's girlfriend Rachel over issues of identity and social politics. This highlights the layered conflicts experienced within the college community, affecting both racial and gender dynamics.

As the homecoming festivities kick off, Dap's followers confront the Gamma brothers during the parade. This near-physical confrontation showcases the escalating divide between the protestors and the fraternity.

The homecoming football game culminates in a disappointing loss for the Mission football team, adding to the sour mood on campus. After the game, Dap faces serious consequences as he is summoned by Cedar Cloud and McPherson.

Seeking respite, Dap and his friends head to a local KFC, only to face hostility from local patrons. This moment highlights the tensions between the college students and the surrounding community, particularly over perceptions of privilege.

During a highly anticipated step show, Dap and his friends’ performance spirals into a fight with the Gammas, reflecting pent-up frustrations. The brawl signifies a broader clash of ideals and identities on campus.

After a series of humiliations faced by Rachel, Dap seeks her out to mend their relationship. Their reunion signifies hope amid chaos, showcasing the personal stakes intertwined with the larger political struggle.

Half-Pint and the rest of the Gammites proudly complete their pledging process, embracing their new fraternity identities. However, this moment of pride is laced with underlying tension stemming from Julian's manipulation.

Julian confronts Jane, resulting in an explosive argument fueled by jealousy and misunderstandings. Their breakup serves as a poignant moment reflecting the personal costs of the social battles occurring around them.

Disturbed by the change he sees in his cousin Half-Pint, Dap takes to the campus quad at dawn. He rings the large bell, a symbolic act that calls the entire community to awaken and contemplate the current state of affairs.

In a unique moment of connection with the audience, Dap breaks the fourth wall, urgently imploring the viewers to 'Please, wake up.' This poignant call resonates beyond the film, inviting introspection about activism and social responsibility.