Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Students at a Scottish school have said their “basic human rights” are being breached after, they claim, their new headteacher implemented a policy of restricting them from using toilet facilities during class time.
Pupils at Perth Grammar School launched a petition - called ‘Free the Bladder’ - on Monday, outlining their gripes, calling for the new rule to be revoked after 100 signatures, and for the head “to offer a public apology.” So far, the petition has gathered more than 3,600 signatures.
According to the petition, the new head does not approve of the number of people being excused from class and fears people may “hide” in the bathrooms to avoid going to subjects they don’t like.
It continues: “However, preventing us from one of our basic human rights is NOT the way to solve the problem. We won’t be able to concentrate. With restricted access to toilet facilities, students will avoid keeping hydrated and, therefore, lose concentration and, consequently, fall behind in class. Same goes for those sitting with a full bladder - it effects our education.”
The petition also claims one pupil was left “emotionally scarred” after being granted permission to leave class to use the toilet, only to find the it was locked. It adds how the pupil was “too scared to ask again and consequentially [sic] wet themselves.” It continues: “It is obvious to see how emotionally scarring this can be and how it may stick with one for a long time. Is it okay to destroy a child’s self esteem, purely for convenience? We disagree.”
In an email to the Independent, a Perth and Kinross Council confirmed there has been “an ongoing issue” with a large number of pupils asking to be excused during class time. A spokesperson added: “The headteacher has taken steps to reinforce the school’s existing policy that pupils should not be out during class time unless under exceptional circumstances.
“We will work with the school’s staff, pupils, and parents to ensure that everyone understands the policy and how it is being implemented.”
The council also added that pupils can continue to access toilets during class time if needed. However, as already outlined, said: “It is existing school policy that toilets should be used during break times so this does not disrupt learning time in class.”
Also, speaking with local paper, The Courier, a spokesman for the school’s senior prefect team expressed concern over the petition’s “wildly false claims” which could “hugely damage” the school’s reputation.
The spokesman told the site in a statement on Thursday that the matter had been addressed over the course of the week in assemblies, adding that, only once were the toilets locked by accident during a break.
The head told The Courier: “All we have done is re-emphasise what has always been school policy.” The council also told the Independent it was aware the headteacher sent out a bulletin to parents earlier this week, which made mention of the petition. However, said she has not issued any comment.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments