Hi, my name is Dakota Festa. I go to a high school in San Bernardino County, California. On November 17, 2022, I was denied my right to use the bathroom by my 4th period substitute teacher. The video proof is posted on TikTok, @playbabykota.37. I walked into class, sat in my seat, and began working. We had been doing a group quiz, which meant we could help each other, but no help from outside resources. After finishing my quiz, I felt myself start my period. My heart dropped because not only was I wearing white, I had no pad or tampon. I walked up to the only adult in the room and let her know of my situation. She said "When she (the girl using the bathroom) gets back." So when she got back, she let two other people go before I got up and reminded her of the situation. She decided to let the class know by saying "Stop asking or I'll call the Principal." I walked back to my desk, took out my phone and started recording "Can I use the bathroom?" I asked. "You will not leave." She said. "But it's an emergency!" I said. 

"No you will not leave"

"Can I use the bathroom?"

"Didn't you just ask me that? I said no!"

"Why? I have to use the bathroom."

"Oh my god! Do you want me to call the principal? Why are you talking back to me?"

Everything went quiet. I felt like I could hear my own heart beat. She never let me go to the bathroom. I bled through my white pants and it was so embarrassing. This NEEDS change immediately. Why are we stopping kids from utilizing their basic human right to use the bathroom? How many people do you know that have peed themselves, gotten UTIs, walked out, been harassed? We need to change the system now. I wish I could say that all those in the teaching industry were here to teach, but some of them clearly need restraint. My class periods are 56 minutes long. Are we expected to just "hold it"? This goes against our freedom, not just as Americans, but as humans as a whole.

What if this was your kid? Your brother? Sister? Niece? Nephew? What if this was someone you knew? They should be able to do their business feeling comfortable and safe. We don't go to school to be harassed we go to educate. So where I am to educate you on the importance of the situation. If we don't act now, then what will happen next?