The third floor men’s bathroom has been closed for at least one week, forcing male students to constantly walk downstairs to use the bathroom. The only evidence of the reason for this decision is a mysterious sign on the bathroom door. The sign said, in big bold letters, “BATHROOM CLOSED,” and had a symbol of a crossed out vape. 

I was able to enter the bathroom after the door was temporarily open and got a quick look at the bathroom. The sinks were clean, the paper towel dispensers worked and I didn’t see any unclean urinals or toilets. With the bathroom looking clean, the bathroom should be reopened so students can use it without having to walk downstairs. Closing the bathroom also results in overcrowding in other bathrooms. 

“I actually need them to open it back up because they have the best mirror in there: it’s the biggest bathroom, it’s the best bathroom and I feel comfortable in that bathroom,” sophomore Charles Cools said. “My first hour is on the third floor and when I need to use the classroom before class I have to go all the way back down and it’s super annoying.”

Huron does have a behavioral problem, and the school should act to stop it; but closing one bathroom does nothing to prevent people from behavioral issues. Students will simply just move to another bathroom to engage in other unruly behavior. Placing staff around the bathroom is much more effective at stopping rule-breakers.

HHS should reopen the bathroom to give students the freedom of easier access to the school bathroom, prevent overcrowding of other bathrooms and save students time when they need to go. It will also reduce student tardiness as students won’t have to walk as far to reach a bathroom when they’re on the third floor.