Parent questions Chester school bathroom policy requiring doors be kept open
In a statement, Chester Superintendent Cathy O’Hara said all bathroom stalls within the school are fully enclosed with doors to ensure privacy, but that restroom entrance doors are kept open for safety.
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A Chester parent is raising concerns about a school policy that requires bathroom doors to remain open, saying it’s putting students’ privacy at risk.
The parent, who asked to remain anonymous, told News 12 her 12-year-old daughter at Chester Academy has felt uncomfortable using the restroom because the main bathroom doors are kept open and claims boys have been able to peek inside. She also claims students have been told they could face suspension if they close the doors.
In a statement, Chester Superintendent Cathy O’Hara said all bathroom stalls within the school are fully enclosed with doors to ensure privacy, but that restroom entrance doors are kept open for safety.
O’Hara said the practice has been in place for several years at Chester Elementary School and was extended to Chester Academy this school year. She added that students who want more privacy have access to single-use bathrooms with doors that close.
The superintendent also said the district has not received any formal reports of students “peeking in” to the restroom areas but encourages parents and guardians to reach out directly with any concerns so the district can address them. The district did not comment on what consequences students might face if they violate the policy.
