Over the previous few weeks, Stuyvesant bathrooms have been vandalized and damaged by despicable members of our community, including some content that is antisemitic. Graffiti has been plastered onto bathroom walls and partitions, including content that praises Adolf Hitler. Bathroom sinks and toilets have been clogged. These actions should be unequivocally condemned, with not an ounce of tolerance entertained, and the individuals should be punished to the fullest extent, but does not justify the implementation of new policy (no matter how temporary, or regardless of the actions they are in response to) that are in violation of numerous federal and state laws and regulations, and will inevitably cause short-term and long-term health issues for members of our community.

The Stuyvesant administration has decided to close all boys' bathrooms in the 10 floor building, except those on the 2nd and 7th floors, beginning May 27, 2025. Each restroom has two lavatories, two urinals, and two toilets, and the two restrooms total on the 2nd and 7th floor will now serve a student population of approximately 1,600 students. This is already unreasonable by itself and will cause innumerable damage for students' health. For example, holding urine for extended periods of time can cause urinary tract infections, and cause the formation of kidney stones. For those with disabilities (such as diabetes), this is a violation of their rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

This new policy is in violation of New York State Education Department policy as well.

Specifically, for “buildings constructed between January 1, 1965 and January 1, 2003, where the restrooms have not been altered, and no additions have been added to the building after January 1, 2003”:

• A ratio of 1/50 is required for Middle & Secondary Boys lavatories
• A ratio of 1/30 is required for Middle & Secondary Boys urinals
• A ratio of 1/100 is required for Middle & Secondary Boys water closets

For “buildings constructed after January 1, 2003, and to restrooms altered, and additions to buildings after January 1, 2003”:

• A ratio of 1/50 is required for Boys lavatories
• A ratio of 1/50 is required for Boys water closets (urinals may be substituted for not more than 67 percent of the required water closets)

The closing of restrooms may also violate civil rights legislation as well.

Temporary measures such as a proposed sign-in system at the 2nd and 7th floor restrooms (so long as it is narrowly tailored to prevent disruptive action, and could be used as an alternative) may be justified, but closing bathrooms in breach of these ratios is almost assuredly illegal.

The Stuyvesant administration must reconsider its proposed policy and ensure it is in accordance with laws while ensuring student safety, and narrowly targeted, or the New York City Department of Education must intervene to ensure the safety of students.