Under a new procedure at Lexington’s Henry Clay High School, restrooms are closing during the five-minute transition between classes unless there is a medical need, school officials notified parents in a message.
Once students are in class and attendance has been taken, teachers will issue a restroom pass.
The change is in response to an increase in “behavior events” in restrooms, said Dia Davidson, spokesperson for Fayette County Public Schools.
“Behavior events in restrooms have risen in FCPS and across the state in recent years. The Kentucky Department of Education, in their latest Safe Schools Report, noted that behavior events in restrooms have increased by 216% across the state,” Davidson-Smith said.
“Similar statistics have been reported in FCPS. Henry Clay will implement procedures aimed at cutting down on behavior events in restrooms,” she said. “These procedures include increased monitoring, and classroom passes for restroom visits. Students will still have the option to use the restroom during transitions as needed.”
It was not immediately clear if other schools in the district had adopted similar policies.
At Henry Clay, students who have medical needs that require using a restroom will have a plan to access the restroom at all times, according to the message to parents.
Classes at most Fayette County Public Schools began Wednesday.
