New restroom policy leaves students concerned

By Jordyn Roberson

At Rialto High School, a new restroom policy was created. Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, the administration limited restroom access to only one of the three restrooms available throughout the school year. While it seems their intent behind this policy was to avoid further vandalism and increase supervision, they have only created more problems. In reality, having only one restroom open has led to many negative effects. 

As of late, long lines have become a major issue. With only one restroom open, students are forced to wait several minutes, leading to long lines and tardiness just to use the restroom. Though to administrators, our passing periods and restroom passes may be longer than needed, this year they seem shorter. 

This has become a serious problem because students have now started arriving late to classes. Not because they’re goofing off or wasting time, but because they are stuck waiting in lines. 

In other situations, students have fully resorted to not using the restroom at all. Holding it until the end of the period or school day. They fear that if they are constantly late to their classes, they will face disciplinary consequences. Instead, by choosing not to go to the restroom, they are creating dangerous consequences. 

Research has shown that avoiding the use of the restroom can lead to serious health issues like bladder problems, urinary tract infections, and kidney complications. According to the American Medical Association, students who regularly avoid using the restroom often experience serious medical consequences. Including chronic kidney diseases. Our schools should protect our health, not put us at risk.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

The California Department of Education also states that schools should provide students with enough restroom access during school hours. Restroom availability would benefit both the students and the staff. More open restrooms would mean a growth in attendance, academic success, and student well-being. When students are distracted by their discomfort or worried about finding time to use the restroom, they tend to be less present during lessons. 

Others may argue that limiting access to restrooms helps reduce vandalism and fights. While their opinions are valid, there are other ways to go about these issues. Instead of taking the long route of punishing the whole student body, alternative solutions include increasing supervision around restrooms or being stricter about the consequences of vandalism. Closing restrooms doesn’t fix the problems; it just creates new ones.

Students deserve a learning environment in which both their education and well-being are protected. Basic needs like using the restroom should not become a daily problem. Schools are meant to provide students with safe spaces where they feel comfortable and supported. This includes access to restrooms whenever needed. Not having to wait in a long line and not having to face whatever consequences there may be for being late to class.

To sum up, the issue of the restrooms being closed is particularly about respect. The respect the students deserve. Their time, health, and basic needs. This would also benefit the time teachers use during their lessons. Teachers will be able to avoid disruptions while they are talking because students were able to use the restroom before class.

Rialto High School should reconsider its new policy and take its students' well-being more seriously. Opening just two out of the three restrooms on campus at all times would be a big step towards improving this situation. This would reduce wait times, help students stay on schedule, and protect students' health.