The situation at Washington High School in Phoenix, AZ, USA is dire. Students are avoiding essential hydration and nutrition due to the lack of accessible bathroom facilities. The school's decision to lock boys' bathrooms under the pretext of preventing vaping has resulted in a crisis that affects the health and wellbeing of students.

The few bathrooms that are open can't accommodate all male students during the short 5-minute breaks between classes. This has led many students to avoid eating or drinking throughout the day for fear they won't be able to use a restroom when needed.

The principal, Ashley Anderson Ashley.Anderson@guhsdaz.org says the smoke alarm goes off in the bathroom due to vaping so they had to close them until they get them moved and they "have no other choice". She previously closed boys bathrooms which she said was because the "sinks were broken".  She said only the boys bathrooms are closed because the girls aren't a problem. She is essentially trying to punish ALL BOYS because of these actions. And she is not closing them for a day, but week(s) at a time if not longer. She says she doesn't have a choice. Brainstorming is apparently out of the realm of the administration. The school district Supervisor (GUHSD Brian Capistran (emails: joie.eddings@guhsdaz.org, brian.capistran@guhsdaz.org )also failed to act, he simply forwarded an email to the principal (without even calling her to explore the issue and resolutions) and asked her to "..call the parent to resolve it". The Principal simply says she can't open them, unequivocally can't be done)

Possible solutions:

1. Get on the phone and get someone to solve the alarm problem. We have owned a business in Phoenix and alarm issues and relocations can be done on an expedited basis, especially for schools with a $100 million dollar budget.
2.  If a sink isn't functioning, don't punish ALL boys by stopping access to toilets. You know what else doesn't have sinks? Portable Toilets. The school can provide hand sanitizers or portable wash stations like they have outside of Porta-potty type toilets.
3. If you can't fix a restroom quickly, bring in portable toilets temporarily. It can easily be done, short term or month to month.
4. The principal, Ashley Anderson, says "students can ask to use the office restroom or nurse restroom, IN AN EMERGENCY". How about when restrooms are closed, open up ALL RESTROOMS to all students without having to explain or beg at a desk or wait for "an emergency".  Students shouldn't have to explain, beg or wait for a toilet.
5. Many teachers restrict restroom access to 3 times a SEMESTER during class. If you have to close ANY restroom. Advise all teachers and students immediately that any restrictions on use during class hours is temporarily rescinded and won't count against them for the semester.
6. IF you HAVE to close 2 BOYS bathrooms for any reason, close 1 girls bathroom also and make it temporarily BOYS until the issue is resolved. If you can't see to do this, you might then understand that boys should also need access to bathrooms that are convenient.
7. (added by petitioners)  Station someone outside of the bathroom(s) that are being closed between classes. The school has a FULL TIME Police Officer ON CAMPUS.

According to a study by Harvard Medical School, dehydration can affect cognitive function, impacting our students' ability to learn effectively (Harvard Health Publishing). Moreover, skipping meals can lead to poor concentration and lower energy levels (American Academy of Pediatrics).

While we understand and support measures against vaping in schools - indeed, according to CDC data from 2020, nearly 20% of high school students reported using e-cigarettes - this should not come at the expense of basic student needs like access to restrooms.

We urge Washington High School administration not only consider these negative impacts on their student body but also find an alternative solution that addresses both issues without compromising on either side. It's time for action – let's prioritize our children’s health and education over punitive measures that have unintended consequences. The Principal, VP and Glendale Union School District Superintendent have failed to act! Please sign this petition today!

Current Glendale Unions School District Board members that have been notified on March 12, 2024, no action to resolve the issue if this petition is still accepting signatures:

Pam Reicks, President

Natalie Veidmark, Clerk

Laura Arita - School Board

Patti Hussey - School Board

Patty Kennedy - School Board