Toilet Terror or Toilet Helper? 

By: Cece Berkey

This month at Homer High School bathroom entry doors have been propped open by administration. This change has students asking questions about the decision. 

Principal Van Etten said: “Doors open and close, it's  not an attempt to violate privacy while using bathroom fixtures…we have an issue with overcrowded bathrooms, we have tried to work to alleviate that in a number of ways.” 

Overcrowding is a problem in the school bathrooms this year, making bathroom use a challenging prospect for many students. Some of the overcrowding appears to be due to loitering and some even suspect illegal activity. This causes some students to feel unsafe using the bathrooms. 

However, many students worry about privacy with the doors open. 

Leah Luke, 11th grader, states: “It's the fact that people are getting punished for something that they didn't do, and it's invading their privacy even though they didn't do anything wrong to deserve their privacy invaded.”

Another student, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: “It disrupts classes when you're in the class right across the hall from the bathroom and you hear the toilet flushing every five minutes - It's annoying!”

Some students are voicing concerns on social media. 

Van Etten welcomed discussion from students, stating: “if there are kids talking…have them come see me.”      

Time will tell if the new policy improves bathroom conditions at the high school.