By Ray Martinez
You try to use the restroom during your passing period, but it’s easier said than done. Walking into the restroom, you see broken sinks, damaged soap dispensers, crowded groups, and zero available stalls. Sound familiar? This is a common experience for many students at Eisenhower High School, and it’s a problem that doesn’t get enough attention.
Usually, there are only two restrooms open during lunches and passing periods. Boys have two restrooms (I and E), but the I-Wing restroom is the only one that’s consistently open. Girls don’t have it any easier; they often have to rely on the I-Wing restroom, while the E-Wing and gymnasium restrooms are sometimes available during lunches. When all the other bathrooms are closed—a situation that happens way too often—students end up using the front office and nurse’s restrooms.
To get a better idea of what students think about our bathrooms, I created a survey. The responses echoed my own feelings, showing how big of a problem this really is. One student said it feels like a frustrating choice between “using my time to eat or going to the bathroom” because of the long lines caused by only one bathroom being open. Another student talked about the poor conditions and how some boys tend to destroy property in the restrooms. “They have no home training and no care,” they said, mentioning broken soap dispensers, paper towel dispensers, and even literal sinks. One more student shared their struggle with being late to class, saying, “It’s ridiculous, and I’m always late to my classes because they’re so far from the only open bathroom.”
All of these issues are pretty common at Eisenhower. The limited availability and poor conditions of our restrooms create an environment that disrupts our daily routines and well-being.
The state of the restrooms at Eisenhower is a serious problem that needs attention. The lack of access, poor maintenance, and the effect on students’ schedules create a frustrating atmosphere that negatively impacts our school experience. It’s essential for the administration to recognize these concerns and take action to improve restroom accessibility and upkeep. By tackling these issues, we can create a healthier and more respectful school environment for everyone. Let’s stand up for our right to decent facilities that reflect the pride we have in our school.
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