As concerned students at Thoreau Demonstration Academy in Tulsa, we are urging the school administration to address a critical issue affecting our well-being and educational experience. The lack of open bathrooms on campus is causing significant inconvenience and discomfort for students, hindering our ability to focus on learning and potentially compromising our health.

1. Limited Access Hinders Student Health: The currently restricted access to bathrooms poses a serious health concern for students. Research from reputable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes the importance of regular bathroom breaks to maintain proper hydration, prevent urinary tract infections, and reduce the risk of other related health issues.

2. Impact on Academic Performance: Numerous studies have shown that physical discomfort can significantly impact cognitive function and academic performance. According to an article published by Harvard Health Publishing, discomfort caused by inadequate bathroom access can lead to distraction, decreased concentration levels, increased stress levels, and reduced overall productivity.

3. Equity in Education: Equal access to essential facilities is a fundamental right that should be upheld within educational institutions. By denying students open access to bathrooms during school hours, we are creating an inequitable environment that disproportionately affects certain individuals based on their physiological needs or medical conditions.

4. Safety Concerns: Restricted bathroom access may also pose safety risks for students who may need immediate assistance or suffer from medical conditions requiring frequent restroom visits (e.g., diabetes). Ensuring open bathrooms will not only promote student safety but also foster a supportive environment where all individuals feel valued and cared for.

We understand that maintaining order within school premises is crucial; however, it should not come at the expense of student well-being or compromise their education. We respectfully request that the Thoreau Demonstration Academy administration takes immediate action by implementing measures such as:

a) Increasing staffing levels or monitoring systems in restrooms to ensure proper supervision and discourage misuse. b) Providing clear guidelines for responsible restroom usage to maintain cleanliness and prevent vandalism. c) Encouraging open communication between students, faculty, and administration to address any concerns or issues related to bathroom access.

By signing this petition, we express our collective concern for the well-being of Thoreau Demo Accad students. We believe that open bathroom access is essential for maintaining a healthy learning environment where all individuals can thrive academically and physically. Together, let's work towards a positive change that prioritizes student needs.

(Edit 8/21/23 10:21 AM) Here is a list of cons of the bathroom from the last 2 years and a half Students were staging fights in the bathroom and recording them.  Students shared that they could later share those fight videos for money.

Students were also responding to TikTok posts to vandalize the bathroom.  At first, it was soap dispensers, but it became more costly as stalls were pulled out of the wall.  Bathrooms then had to be shut down until we could get maintenance to come out to repair them or/and find the needed parts.

Students were/have/are vaping more and selling legalized marijuana in the bathrooms. To prevent drug usage that hinders the focus for learning in the classroom, we believed as a staff that limiting the time in the bathroom would decrease these occurrences. As Vapes and E-cigarettes have slowed a significant amount since last year as metal detectors have been added. And as for students that choose to partake in vandalism there are cameras around the outside of every bathroom and school staff and administrators could use time stamps to find who did it and deal with them.

Cooper. C . Smith. 8th grade (2023) Thoreau Demonstration Academy Student