Williamwood high school is located in Glasgow and this year we have said farewell to our old headteacher, with a new one with us now. 

Since day 1 , Our headmistress has made changes in rules which significantly impact students. We wear an all black uniform with the exception of a shirt and we have now been informed we are not allowed bright coloured bags as , and i quote "individuality should be saved for the weekend". This first rule is obnoxious and puts students in danger when walking home in the winter months as for some of us, our bags are the only thing that keep us seen by cars against our all black uniform. 

 

But my main concern here is a new rule, Bathrooms are to be locked during classes and after school. There are a number of reasons this rule negatively impacts many of us. 

 

Reason 1: For those of us who menstruate, bathrooms are a safe place in which we can go in emergencies to access clean sanitary suplies, and if you know anything about basic biology, those who menstruate don't decide which time we start bleeding. In the emergency where we need a pad or tampon we now have the embarrassment of insisting to teachers we must go to the bathroom , then going to the office to request a key where our name will be taken down on record. 

 

Reason 2: Again on menstruation,  our school like many others provides free supplies for those who may not be able to afford supplies in shops. These are located in the bathroom (not in cubicals) and class time allows people to get them whilst the bathroom is not busy and they don't risk feeling embarrassed. Yet now those people will have to go at break and lunch at the most busiest times and Its worrying that the anxiety of being around people may be enough to stop anyone getting the items they need 

Reason 3: Many of us live long distance from the school and have to walk as we aren't supplied buses. The bathrooms are now locked after school meaning many can not go to the bathroom before over an hour walk home or multiple transport trips. You can not take away peoples need to go to the bathroom while knowing  that we have no free local bathrooms in the area. 

Reason 4: It. Is. Basic. Child. Wellfaire.  You as adults are meant to protect us. To look after us and keep us safe. But you deny us a safe place to use the bathroom in a place where we are to assume we are being given the best care. By taking away bathrooms you leave people who are anxious around crowds of people in bathrooms going 6 hour school days without going to the bathroom, for those with medical conditions you are making it harder to access a bathroom in a quick instance.

So dear williamwood. Give us back our bathrooms , give us back our rights 

If you are a student i can only ask for you to share this petition with your family, friends and other students. We won't take these new rules. If our staff want respect,  they must give us respect first  

I do want to mention the wonderful hospitality department who are allowing people to use their staff base toilets with no questions asked. They are wonderful people and deserve all the respect they get.

I would be happy to meet with you to discuss this. If you follow the rights of the child so closely. You will be aware children have the right on opinions and to be listened to on anything that impacts them