During the day students are focused on school work, lunch, and attending FIT sessions. They don’t get many chances to use the restroom, and when the need arises, it’s the only thing they can think about. In some classes getting the chance to go to the bathroom is a difficult challenge for a variety of reasons.
Some teachers at Bowie are only giving students four to five bathroom passes per semester. If someone runs out of passes, they have to ask a friend for one, or are not able to use the bathroom at all. There is also a certain time limit in which students are allowed to be out of class to take a restroom break, which is two to four minutes. If students don’t use all the bathroom passes they receive extra credit.
I believe that bathroom passes shouldn’t be limited because going to the bathroom is a basic human need. When students need to go to the bathroom, but can’t, it distracts them during class. It could cause them to not participate in discussions, or have an effect on their ability to focus. If students are allowed to use the restroom whenever and come back in a timely manner, it’ll encourage student involvement during class.
Additionally, people who menstruate have unexpected issues that come up randomly throughout classes. If someone runs out of passes it just creates an awkward situation to explain. Explaining about your menstruation to a teacher just adds more stress to something that’s already quite stressful. No one should have to explain personal information to a teacher that may cause an unforeseen reason to use the restroom. That’s a private matter that should be respected.
There’s also a good number of students who get distracted in class when they need to use the restroom. Whenever someone needs to go the only thing on their mind is getting up and getting the pass. Getting out their pass and having teachers sign it just disrupts the class, when it can be an easy situation.
Students are capable of going to the restroom and coming back in an efficient manner. Being in a class for an hour and thirty minutes can be super draining, especially if no breaks are included. The restroom is a good reason to get up and move. It’s refreshing to just go to the bathroom, fix your hair, take a breather, and then head back to class.
Teachers are handing out these limited bathroom passes because they are upset with the students who leave for 20 minutes. They believe that the bathroom is a distraction, instead of a normal situation that occurs. Teachers also believe that students should only take a couple minutes. Students should be able to manage their own time and determine what’s enough time and what isn’t.
I agree with the regulation that teachers enforce this because some students will be gone for 20 minutes or more. It can be frustrating when students do this because it backs up a bathroom pass line and interrupts the productivity of the class. Teachers should just have a talk with those specific students instead of creating a policy that affects the entire class.
Students need to be able to go to the restrooms whenever they please, within a reasonable time frame. Going to the bathroom isn’t something that can be timed and a limit can add unnecessary stress as well. It’s unfair if students have to worry about coming back to class in a certain amount of time just to accomplish a basic need.
A good solution would be to allow two to three passes per week for students. Teachers should also create brain breaks in their lesson plans. Students won’t have to worry about needing a break or being limited to using the restrooms. Teachers could create a sign-up sheet and try to establish a system for students to take restroom breaks.
I believe that as long as we create a compromise as a school, it could create a better work environment. Bathroom passes shouldn’t be limited and should just be a given right. It’s an easy fix and students shouldn’t have to explain personal issues with teachers when it comes to the bathroom. We as a community can work together and help make Bowie a positive environment with communication and fairness
