myFM has been contacted this week by several concerned highschool students about washroom doors at the Strathroy high school being removed. Students are saying they believe it is a violation of their privacy rights. Recently the doors were removed the doors citing vaping, and vandalism as reasons why.
Thames Valley sent myFM a statement from Christine Giannacopoulos, Superintendent of Achievement saying
“Students and families at Strathroy District Collegiate Institute have communicated that they do not feel safe in school washrooms due to large numbers of students congregating in these spaces engaging in vandalism and vaping. The decision to remove the exterior doors of the washroom will help ensure a higher level of supervision and allow us to prioritize the health and safety of students and staff.”
Students are not happy though as an online petition has already gathered hundreds of signatures.
Official Thames Valley School Board Statement:
“Students and families at Strathroy District Collegiate Institute have communicated that they do not feel safe in school washrooms due to large numbers of students congregating in these spaces engaging in vandalism and vaping. The decision to remove the exterior doors of the washroom will help ensure a higher level of supervision and allow us to prioritize the health and safety of students and staff. The bathrooms at SDCI are designed similarly to public washrooms, where privacy is not compromised. We continue to have dialogue with the student community around being positive contributors to the school and will continue to request feedback on additional strategies that prioritize the safety of the school community.”
Christine Giannacopoulos, Superintendent of Achievement
