I am personally impacted by the decision of our current principal to impose draconian measures that affect the entire school community. Recently, all bathrooms in our institution have been permanently locked, requiring a key to gain access. This policy not only affects me as a female, but also everyone else in the school, including the staff members. In case of a medical or any sort of emergency, the consequences could be dreadful due to this impractical rule.

The right to a safe and accessible restroom is a basic human right, and these measures directly challenge this. Teachers and students alike are being put in undignified situations on a daily basis, potentially leading to health issues and concentration difficulties due to discomfort. This is just one example of how the current principal's management style leads to a harmful school environment.

The current policy of confiscating self-defense items, such as tasers and mace, from students is not acceptable. While the intention behind taking these items in the morning is understood—so they aren't carried around during school hours—the policy of not returning them at the end of the day leaves students exposed and vulnerable.

Students walk home, take public transportation, and travel through areas that may not always be safe. Self-defense tools like tasers and mace are crucial for their protection in the event of an emergency. Withholding these items after school hours creates an unnecessary risk. The difference between life and death in dangerous situations can depend on whether a student has access to self-defense tools.

It is essential that these items be returned to students at the end of the day. The safety of students should not end when the school bell rings, and every student deserves the right to protect themselves on their way home.

In addition to affecting the wellbeing of students and staff, such a restrictive school environment could negatively impact overall academic performance. It is not just this incident, but the principal's general course of action has shown a persistent lack of respect and empathy towards students and staff members.

Our school deserves a leader who cares about student and staff wellbeing alike, who acts in the best interests of the school community. Please, sign this petition so we can create a more respectful and dignified educational environment for all.