“We have gates on our bathrooms now”
Students Frustrated by New Restroom Policy at Henry Clay High School
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — A student at Henry Clay High School is voicing their frustration over a new restroom policy that locks restrooms between class periods. The measure, aimed at reducing fights and poor behavior in school restrooms, only restricts restroom access between class hours.
“We have gates on our bathrooms now,” said Sophomore at Henry Clay High School, Sneha Bhattarai.
Bhattarai expressed concern about the policy enforced with physical barriers at restroom entrances.
“Mostly students are trying to use the bathrooms during passing periods, and we’re not allowed to because there are gates on the bathrooms,” said Bhattarai.
“Can you open the gates,” asked ABC 36. “No, like they have it locked,” said Bhattarai.
This comes as Fayette County Public Schools says there’s a 200% increase in what they describe as “behavior incidents” in restrooms, prompting the change.
Bhattarai, only a few weeks into the school year, noted the impact of the policy on her learning experience. Previously, students were not allowed to use restrooms during the first and last 10 minutes of class. The new rule, combined with this existing restriction, has led to concerns about its effect on students’ academic performance.
“I understand why the put it because students go in there doing other stuff than using the restroom, so I think they’re trying to make it better for us, but it’s also affecting us on our learning,” said Bhattarai.
Fayette County Public Schools assured that accommodations will be made for students needing restroom access between classes. The school has claimed the policy has received positive feedback from some, stating they have “received high praise and thanks” for implementing the change.
However, as ABC 36 reports, some students feel that the policy, along with the previous restriction, is disrupting their learning.
“And like there’s been times in my third hour, where like there’s a line of students that need to use the restroom,” said Bhattarai.
“During class hours,” asked ABC 36. “During class,” said Bhattarai.
According to Bhattarai some teachers have also expressed frustration as students frequently leave class to use the restroom.
“For like my friends if they need to use the restroom, it’s either there’s a line that they’re waiting for and they’re more focused about going to the restroom than doing their own class work. But it’s also like you’re missing time on class instruction class work and your class time,” said Bhattarai.
While Bhattarai and other students express their frustration, Bhattarai has called for improved behavior among the student body to alleviate the need for such policies.
