As students of Renaissance High School in Detroit, MI, we frequently encounter unsanitary conditions in our school bathrooms. It is common to find no soap or hand sanitizer available and stalls that are dirty and missing toilet paper. This lack of basic hygiene supplies not only affects our comfort but also poses a serious health risk.

School bathrooms should be a place where students can maintain their personal hygiene effectively. However, the current state of affairs at our school makes this impossible. The absence of soap and hand sanitizer prevents us from washing our hands properly, increasing the risk of spreading infectious diseases.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), proper hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of many types of infection and illness in all settings-including schools. Yet, how can we adhere to these guidelines when essential supplies are lacking?

We call upon Renaissance High School administration to ensure that soap and hand sanitizer are consistently provided at 100%, along with a guarantee for a continuous supply of toilet paper. We also urge them to implement regular cleaning schedules for all school bathrooms.