When I was little, I came late to Water Day at my school, Annex, with my clothes in my hand, just trying to join everybody else. The classroom doors were closed, the lights were off, and one lady took me to the special needs computer lab and told me to change there. It was dark, it was just me and her in the room, and she stood there facing me like I was supposed to undress in front of her. I said no, and I only said no because my parents had taught me better.

That moment has stayed with me. I still remember her telling me that if I did not change in front of her right then, I was not going to Water Day. I remember deciding I just would not go, because I knew something was wrong. Then I told my teacher what happened, changed in the restroom instead, and went on with the day like nothing had happened. But that is exactly the problem: nothing was done about it.

We cannot keep acting like children should have to figure this out on their own in the moment. Schools need a clear rule that no child is ever to be isolated and told to change clothes alone with one adult in a dark room, office, lab, or classroom. If a student needs privacy to change, it should happen in a restroom or designated private space, with safety procedures that protect the child and make sure no adult can pressure them. Kids should never have to choose between their own safety and participating in school.

I am speaking up because I know I am not the only one with a story like this. Too many children experience something that feels wrong and then get brushed past while the adults move on. We really have to be aware of what goes on in these schools, and we need rules that protect children before something worse happens. Please sign this petition and demand this basic protection for every student.