Spotlight on restrictive bathroom passes

Most teachers limit the number of bathroom passes that students are allowed to use each 9 weeks. Some give 3, some give 6, some reward students for not using their passes. Some teachers combine bathroom and hall passes so students are only allowed to leave the classroom 3 times per 9 weeks, no matter what for.

Students are sometimes told they should've used the bathroom in between classes but with an average of 5 minutes to get to their next class that can be difficult, especially for students that have classes on opposite sides of the school.

Multiple students were asked for an interview but many of them said they didn't use the school's bathrooms.

Both students interviewed said all of their teachers only give students 3 bathroom passes per 9 weeks. Kaden P. said, "Rasmussen gives us extra credit for each bathroom pass we have left over."

When asked for their opinion on teachers giving extra credit Johnathan H. said, "I think that a good thing to do for the student because some student need extra credit but it also kinda unhealthy because if a student want to go to the bathroom that will persuade them not to and that unhealthy [sic]."

Both students who were interviewed agreed that if students were given unlimited bathroom passes some would abuse them. Kaden P. suggested that this could be avoided by instead raising the number of passes allowed per 9 weeks.

If students are forced to “hold it” they risk developing a urinary tract infection due to a buildup of bacteria. If female students don't change their feminine hygiene products often enough they risk developing toxic shock syndrome. If students get these diseases they can be forced to stay out of school while they recover meaning they miss class, a common reason why teachers limit bathroom passes. If a student has to use the restroom but is unable to they most likely won’t be focusing on the lesson.

Other issues surrounding the bathroom in school include trans and gender neutral students and what bathroom they use.

In general students at Airport agree that the bathroom pass policies are somewhat unfair, but shouldn't be completely removed. Other students who weren't interviewed might disagree, saying it is unhealthy to limit bathroom usage so much.