April 15, 2026
By Aryanah Cedeño
Staff Writer
Using the bathroom is a human necessity, so not having access to one is problematic. Therefore, bathrooms should remain unlocked during the three-minute passing time between classes.
To start, students should not have to wait to use the bathroom, emergency or not. Even though the time in between classes is short, it is unhealthy to restrict that need.
Furthermore, keeping bathrooms unlocked between classes would enable students to use them without missing class time. This is important because some teachers do not permit students to leave during certain parts of a lesson or during the first and last few minutes of class.
When teachers finally allow students to use the bathroom, SmartPass often fills up quickly, forcing students to wait in a virtual queue.
A brief stop to the bathroom between classes would make students feel more confident, as they could stop in to check their appearance in the mirror, touch up their hair or makeup or adjust their outfit.
These visits also encourage good hygiene by giving students a chance to stop in and wash their hands.
According to Mayo Clinic Health System, frequent handwashing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of illness, especially after coughing, sneezing, touching your face or being around someone sick.
Additionally, girls may need to stop into the bathroom to pick up or use menstrual hygiene products, which are available there. This situation can come unexpectedly, so constant access to these facilities is necessary.
Even though the time in between classes is short, it is unhealthy to restrict that need.
Finally, unlocked bathrooms would give students more freedom, thereby improving the school’s culture and preparing them for life after high school. On college campuses and in the workforce, bathrooms generally remain unlocked, so LHS should follow the same protocols.
Keeping bathrooms unlocked during passing times would greatly benefit students. Thus, it should be a practice that administrators embrace.
