As a student, I frequently find myself needing to use the restroom during class changes. However, our school's current policy locks bathroom doors during these transitional periods and operates on an ID scanning system. We're unable to use the bathroom in the early morning, with the facilities only becoming available once classes have already commenced. Not only does this disrupt learning - it also violates basic rights to sanitary facilities at any time.

The policy hinders the learning process, as students are forced to leave class to go to the restrooms. The UNICEF report states that inadequate access to WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities in schools impacts a student's right to education by causing them to lose concentration and reduce participation. (UNICEF, Advancing WASH in Schools Monitoring, 2015)

We understand that the school administration has safety concerns, but we believe there must be other effective strategies that balance security with student dignity and educational opportunity. As per the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), students have a reasonable expectation of privacy in schools and the ID scanning practice could infringe upon this.

Let's make this change — for the rights of every student, for better learning conditions, and for the sake of our comfort, dignity, and privacy. Sign this petition to help our school rethink its bathroom policy.