Parents are outraged after Knox Academy in Haddington began locking communal toilets for pupils, which they claim is a violation of their children's human rights. The school states that a limited number of individual toilet facilities were temporarily closed due to vandalism, and other toilets remain accessible.
However, parents report that additional toilets are also being closed during the day, leading to children avoiding drinking water to prevent accidents. The situation has escalated with a petition gaining significant traction, reportedly amassing 18,000 signatures, and calling for government intervention.
Former school cleaners have described the state of the toilets as revolting, citing incidents of period products being littered, bins being set on fire, and toilets being clogged with rubbish. While acknowledging the need to address the vandalism, these former staff members also agree that access to toilets is a basic human right.
Parents have expressed their concern online, with some noting that the issue appears to predominantly affect girls' bathrooms, causing children to dehydrate themselves to avoid the problem. East Lothian Council has reiterated that toilets are available throughout the school day and that any concerns should be directed to the school.
