Chew on This: Why Gum is Good, But Not on the Bar Exam
Happy National Chewing Gum Day, everyone!
As you can tell from my selfie below, I'm in front of one of Seattle's most quirky (and sticky) landmarks—the famous Gum Wall at Pike Place Market. For those unfamiliar with this unique spot, it’s exactly what it sounds like: a brick wall covered in thousands of pieces of chewed gum left behind by visitors. What started as a few pieces of gum stuck to the wall by theatergoers in the early 1990s has turned into a giant, colorful collage of everyone's favorite chewy treat. It’s gross and fascinating all at the same time, making it a perfect stop for anyone who loves quirky tourist spots.
But while the Gum Wall might be an interesting piece of Seattle’s local flavor, your pack of gum definitely won’t be welcome on exam day when you sit for the bar exam. So, why is gum banned in nearly every jurisdiction? Let’s break it down—and review some of the specific policies from various states:
Minnesota strictly prohibits “gum, breath mints, Listerine Strips, or similar” items during the exam. This means your trusty chewing gum, which you might rely on to ease nerves, is definitely off-limits.
Ohio echoes the same sentiment, making it clear that “gum, mints, and cough drops” have no place in the exam room. Leave that pack of gum in your car, not your pocket.
Indiana doesn’t mince words, stating that “Food, Drinks or Chewing Gum” are all prohibited items. Gum is not even close to making the cut.
California takes a no-nonsense approach, listing gum right along with wallets, tissues, and lip balm as prohibited items. Your breath might suffer, but the exam’s integrity will be protected!
Tennessee gives you a slight break by allowing “a few hard mints, cough drops, or hard candies,” but specifically bans gum.
The District of Columbia doesn't need to list every banned item—their rule, IN ALL CAPS, is simple: "ANY ITEM NOT LISTED AS 'PERMITTED' IS PROHIBITED." Since gum isn’t explicitly allowed, it’s not coming in with you.
Washington State similarly goes with a straightforward approach: “Any item not on the permitted items list is strictly prohibited,” and that includes your gum.
Gum chewing is actually a great tool for your study sessions. Research shows that chewing gum can improve focus, enhance memory, and even reduce stress—three things every bar exam taker could use! So, while you’re at home or in the library, pop in a piece to help you concentrate. Just make sure to break the habit before exam day.
So, what’s the deal with all the no-gum rules? The reality is, chewing gum can become a distraction in a silent exam room. Moreover, there are security concerns surrounding items that can be easily concealed or consumed, making them potential risks for exam integrity.
While gum can be a trusty sidekick when you’re preparing for the bar exam, it’s not going to be there for you when you're in the exam room. As quirky and fun as chewing gum is—like the colorful collage at Seattle’s Gum Wall—it’s best left outside on test day.
Happy National Chewing Gum Day, and may you chew through your bar exam prep (just not your gum)!
