another school paper to be printed tomorrow morning
As any other human being, I not only have rights, but I have undeniable needs. One of the most prominent being bathroom usage. On my own time, this need and others are fulfilled with no problem. However, in the school environment, where rights of students are said to be held in such high regard, these vital needs are often denied. How ironic is it, that in a place where my safety and well being is so protected, is the same place that will deny me access to the bathroom.
Because I am a living, breathing person, my body never rests. Unfortunately for the wishes and demands of my teachers, I cannot hold my bladder until the bell rings in forty minutes. One incident that stands out clear in my mind is excusing myself from health class, and the teacher telling me that she wasn’t going to let me go to the lav during her class again. Ordinarily, one would think that a health teacher, above all others, would understand the process of digestion, but apparently understanding the need to use the toilet wasn’t a part of her lesson plan.
I’ve had doubts about the school rules, but discipline for taking too long in the bathroom is ridiculous. Another memorable incident occurred about two years ago. I asked the teacher if I could use the bathroom, but when I got back he started yelling at me. Because I took too long using the bathroom, I had now lost my “Bathroom Privileges.” Understandably, I was perplexed. I thought the inhumane phrase of “Bathroom Privilege” was used in prison or said to slaves, but there I was in the sanctuary of school and I had lost the right to the toilet.
I completely understand the need for school rules in an environment comprised of diverse individuals, but rules regarding bathroom usage are completely out of the question. Teachers are given too much power, and this is evident when they deny students access to the bathroom. This is not like talking in class or cheating on a test, using the bathroom is a necessity that, if denied, can put a person’s health in danger. Teachers and administration must stop putting limits on a student’s right to use the bathroom because we are more than just annoying blocks to put into place. We are people who will someday grow to inherit this world.