Protests erupt at several schools over ‘disgusting’ toilet rules with ‘tables flipped and kids locked in by teachers’
PROTESTS have erupted at several schools over “disgusting” toilet rules with parents claiming students were locked in class.
The furious youngsters were said to be banding together with their peers against new systems that change the way they can use the school loos.
Students at three schools across the country have protested the rules, with videos at two of them showing mass crowds gathering.
Another clip shows pupils at one school chanting “toilets” as they aggressively shake a fence.
Parents say chaos erupted at Cornwall‘s Penrice Academy, the Farnley Academy in Leeds and Devon‘s Cullompton Community College.
Students at Penrice Academy allegedly told their mums and dads that everything kicked off there this morning.
Parents said they’d heard an ambulance and police were called to the school, too.
The youngsters were said to be up in arms after the school said students would not be allowed to use the toilets during lessons.
The pupils were also told they could request “red card period passes” for them to use when required.
They let their peers know the protest “about toilet rights” was going ahead today by posting on Facebook.
But parents said the protest quickly “got out of hand”, PlymouthLive reported.
Videos of the school showed mobs of youngsters shaking a fence chanting “toilets” repeatedly.
One parent said: “Just to let you know that my daughter has just called me to say the protest has got out of hand and students are flipping tables.
“The children are now not allowed out for break.”
Another said: “Wow the teachers have actually locked them in the back field.
“Unfortunately there are some silly children smashing the benches, fences and bins up.”
Another mum added: “They’ve broken fences down goal posts are trashed bins smashed, kids are running off out of school.
“A kid has literally pulled a huge clump of hair out on the fence trying to climb in to use the toilet and badly injured herself.
“I’ve spoken to her, checked her over and contacted her parents.”
‘UNACCEPTABLE’
In a statement, the school said: “Dear Parent/Carer, due to a social media post yesterday evening, some of our students took the decision to protest.
“Our students have the right to express their opinions in a calm and safe manner, however a small number of students* behaviour was unacceptable.
“A number of parents have already been contacted to collect their children. For the majority of our students, lessons and lunch time will continue as normal. If you have not been contacted, there is no need to collect your child.
“We hope to engage with them to find a solution that works for everyone as soon as possible. The safety and wellbeing of our students is always our priority.”
The Sun Online approached the school for further comment on parents’ claims.
Meanwhile, hundreds of students at a Leeds school were also said to be protesting another “disgusting” toilet change rule.
The Farnley Academy has started locking all sets of toilets but one during lesson times.
LeedsLive reported “disgusted” parents are supporting their children and say the policy is “taking away their human rights”.
‘PRISON OR SCHOOL?’
Photos of the school showed massive crowds of schoolkids gathered together outside today, allegedly during class time.
A spokesperson for The GORSE Academies Trust said: “We are aware that some comments are being made in respect of toilets and their availability during the school day.
“To keep all students safe during times when members of staff are not on duty, we have asked students to only use the centrally located toilets during lesson time. These toilets are OPEN during ALL lesson times, are accessible from all parts of the school, and a member of staff is present to ensure all students are safe.
“During break and lunch, students are then able to use all of the toilets in school. We actively encourage all students to ensure that they go to the toilet before school, at break and at lunch, to avoid needing to go during lesson time. However, the option to use the toilets during lesson time remains available to students where it is needed.”
Meanwhile, students at a Devon school were protesting yesterday after their toilet doors were removed.
While individual cubicle doors are still on at Cullompton Community College, the doors of both the male and female toilets have been removed.
DevonLive said the parent, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “All the parents are concerned, especially parents of daughters.
“I understand anti-social behaviour happens but is this prison or school?”
But the school stood by its decision, saying: “The decision we have taken brings us in line with many schools across the country and is commonplace.
“It follows our concerns – shared by many students who we discussed this matter with before reaching a decision – that more positive behaviour would be achieved if the toilet blocks were more open plan.”