Staff Reports
The Peoria Unified School District in Arizona is considering a new approach to bathroom design in two high schools in an effort to address behavioral issues. The proposal involves creating open concept bathrooms that allow staff to monitor activities from the hallway, while still maintaining student privacy. According to school officials, this design aims to improve oversight while adhering to federal disability laws and addressing safety concerns.
Kevin Molino, the district's chief technological and operations officer, explained that the current bathroom setup does not offer adequate visibility for staff, necessitating a new design to address monitoring issues. The open concept design came about after consulting with students, parents, and school resource officers.
Arizona school district considers bathrooms with no doors to be able to monitor student behavior https://t.co/Q6RdbiYzGj
— John Solomon (@jsolomonReports) April 29, 2024
Molino emphasized that the primary goals of the proposed remodel are to increase accessibility for individuals with disabilities and enhance visibility into the bathrooms for safety reasons. He also mentioned that the district is still in the process of gathering feedback from various stakeholders.
However, the idea of open concept bathrooms has sparked concern among community members, who worry about the potential impact on student privacy. Parents and teachers have expressed apprehension, particularly regarding privacy for girls and women, and the increased vulnerability that might come with the new design.
These concerns highlight a broader debate about how to balance safety and privacy in school environments. While the proposed bathroom design could improve security by allowing staff to monitor the area more effectively, it raises significant questions about whether it adequately protects the privacy and comfort of students.
Given the community's reactions, it's clear that the district will need to carefully consider these concerns before finalizing any plans. The conservative reader might align with the community's skepticism, particularly around issues of privacy and student safety, advocating for solutions that do not compromise the fundamental need for discretion in school restrooms.
