Bathroom Access at School
My school has implemented a new policy that closes all but two restrooms during the entire school day, a decision we’ve never experienced before. With over 10 restrooms on our large campus, this change is causing significant issues. I have a few minutes between classes to use the restroom, but there’s often a line of about 30 people since only two restrooms for each gender are open.
Teachers do not allow us to leave class for bathroom breaks, and we face consequences for being late. I’ve even been denied restroom access after using my “three passes” for the semester, despite having a medical issue—my female teacher refused to grant me permission. When I do manage to go during class time, the wait is still long, or I have to trek across the giant campus just for a quick visit.
This situation has become serious enough that multiple families have raised concerns with the school. My parents suggest I just leave if I need to go, but holding it in has led to painful UTIs for me. While I understand that the bathroom closures are meant to address behavioral issues, it negatively impacts everyone else. It seems there are enough supervisors to lock down the bathrooms but not enough to monitor them properly. Access to restrooms is a basic right, not a privilege.
I completely understand your frustration, and it’s unacceptable that students are being put in this situation. Not only is it unreasonable to limit restroom access so severely, but it also creates significant health risks, like the UTIs you mentioned. It’s concerning that teachers aren’t accommodating students’ needs, especially when it comes to something as essential as using the restroom, particularly during menstruation.
It would be beneficial for the school administration to reconsider their approach and find a balance between addressing concerns about behavior and ensuring students’ basic needs are met. Maybe you could help organize a meeting with other students and parents to voice these concerns collectively. Volunteering to propose a system for better supervision or alternative solutions might illustrate that students can responsibly use restroom facilities while also considering safety. This is an important issue that affects everyone’s well-being, and it’s vital that students have a say in addressing it. You deserve the ability to care for your body without fear of repercussions.