Elmira High School opened its new unisex restroom to students on Monday.
The restroom can be found near the courtyard, replacing outdated ones that were commonly closed in previous years. This location is convenient for the nearby classes and will make restroom breaks shorter.
The restroom features 10 fully-enclosed stalls, providing a comfortable experience for students of all genders. The main corridor where students wash their hands has large, glass windows, leaving it open to the rest of the school. This design was implemented to reduce inappropriate activities occurring in the restroom.
Eight of the new stalls contain toilets, with an additional two containing urinals. One of the eight toilet stalls is enlarged and equipped to be wheelchair accessible for students.
The restroom and stalls have built-in smoke and vape detectors, reducing the risk of students using the space to vape.
There have been a few concerns from students regarding the new fully-closed doors. People have stated that the doors do not easily lock, and require more force than should be needed.
“They kind of look like prison cells,” senior Cailey Eden told Falcon News, “and the doors do not lock easily.”
Other students have also expressed their hesitancy about the design.
“The fact that it’s open is kind of odd, but other than that it’s alright,” sophomore Kaelan Wilson said.
