COLUMBUS, Ohio-Students in Columbus City Schools have reported significant issues related to bathroom access, including bleeding through clothing, UTIs, and missed class time due to restrictive bathroom policies. Concerns escalated after an NBC4 article highlighted problems at Whetstone High School, leading to students claiming they faced repercussions for speaking to the media. In response, the district sent a notice urging cooperation with bathroom policies, citing safety concerns for high school students. Parents and students criticized the district’s response as inadequate, with some highlighting ongoing issues like locked bathrooms and escort requirements for restroom use. A Beechcroft parent expressed frustration over the lack of solutions, and a Briggs High School senior detailed difficulties in accessing bathrooms, particularly during class transitions. The overall sentiment among students and parents is that current policies are overly restrictive and fail to address urgent needs.
