Teachers in the Bathrooms: Privacy Invasion or Safety Mechanism

By: Finley Wettstein

Have you ever questioned your safety at Jenks High School? With all of the violence and frightening events happening in our world, the administration at Jenks has been forced to make numerous safety improvements to our school. But how is one of these changes, having teachers monitor the bathrooms, affecting our students?

Most of the time, protection comes as a loss of freedom. In a school system, a student's freedom is limited. This can be viewed as a good or bad thing, but when does loss of liberty lead to loss of privacy? Does safety cut into our human rights?

Educational administrators from all over the nation gathered at the beginning of the school year to discuss what can be done to improve safety protocols. These can be practiced in very populated student areas around campus while simultaneously protecting students; a difficult task.

“You’ve probably noticed a lot more teachers in the halls… in the stairwells, checking restrooms,” said Eric Fox, Building 5 Assistant Principal.

Due to these new safety concerns, teachers have taken the safety of their students more seriously. Enforcing the wear of Student IDs, as well as being stationed all around campus. School employees sign up for passing period time slots where they are assigned an area in the building to monitor, or in some cases given a path to walk. However, the most notable change to these safety rules is teachers being stationed outside of the restrooms.

Jenks restroom expectations posted in front of every bathroom.

“One thing that we heard from the students last year is that they didn’t feel like they could go to the bathroom in between class periods,” said Fox. “Students vaping, fights…”

Students' reactions to the policy have been mixed.

“It’s unnecessary, I don’t need a teacher checking in on me when I’m in the restroom.” one Jenks sophomore stated. “We're not toddlers.”

Other students don’t like teachers going in and out of the restrooms. “I feel uncomfortable,” Gunnar Goll (9) states, “especially since in the boys' bathroom they lack completely private stalls.”

On the other hand, Sydney Koetter (10), appreciates the new policy. “I personally feel like teachers monitoring the bathrooms is what is best for student safety.”

Teachers stationed in populated student areas are meant to create a safer environment and less room for the violation of school conduct, explained Fox. Koetter agrees believing that with adult-figure monitoring and paying attention, people will be less inclined to make bad decisions.

“If teachers checking the restrooms is what it takes to make bathrooms a comfortable place for everyone then it’s all good with me,” Koetter said.

While teachers standing by restrooms are drawing the eye of students walking by, other changes are happening in hopes of a more secure school.

“The bathrooms are a change in itself, it's part of a bigger initiative to make sure our schools are a safe and caring school environment,” said Fox.

Meetings held regularly with Mr. VanZees’ school safety student group discuss ways to help make everyone feel relaxed at school. The focus has been on allowing more opportunities for students to talk with administrators. The saying “hear something, say something” is an idea that all student leaders and school administrators strongly encourage. With more teachers within reach, standing in the hallways, and walking around, admins hope that this will create more an opportunity to talk to a teacher when needed.

“If students ever have a concern or idea, they can visit with an administrator. Because we want to hear from students.” Fox said, passionately.

A lot is happening behind the scenes at Jenks High School, and the school employees you see daily want you to have the best high school experience you can have.

Jenks High School girls restroom.

“Everybody is here because they care about students. We are always trying to reevaluate what we can do to help students feel more comfortable and safe and engaged in their learning environment.” Fox said.

School is a place meant for learning, and will this policy help make that happen? Fox said, “This is your school, we are here for you.”