Administrators implemented restroom restrictions in order to counter ongoing issues with vandalism and overcrowding. Since last week, many restrooms across campus have been opened and closed at scheduled times to promote safety.

The J building men’s restroom, S building women’s restroom and B building restrooms now only open during class time. These restrooms are also closed during the first and last 10 minutes of class.

During brunch and lunch, the C building, L building, P building and cafeteria restrooms remain open. Restroom capacity is also limited by size, and only one student is allowed per stall in every bathroom. Any stalls with more than one person may be subject to a search. Campus supervisors and administrators will be monitoring restrooms during brunch, lunch and passing periods. 

Sophomore Ryleigh Phillips understands the reasoning behind the new rules, but she feels they are an inconvenience for students who are trying to use the bathroom normally. 

“Only leaving two bathrooms open that are on opposite sides of the campus, depending on your class, could really mess you up,” Phillips said. “I just think they should change which bathrooms are open, or open up more of [the bathrooms] and just get more staff.”

Assistant Principal Todd Harrison mentioned that any rule regarding monitoring student bathroom use has never been put in place while he has worked at Branham. 

“I’s a headache to have to do it, but we have to do it for safety for everybody involved,” Harrison said. “There’s been a lot of vaping and vandalism, so we’re trying to curtail that.”

Harrison added that administrators are open to feedback and willing to make adjustments as needed. The goal is not to restrict students, but to restore trust and accountability. 

“I wish the vandalism would stop,” Harrison said. “It’s costing the school, and we’re wasting a lot of money and time in the process of cleaning it all up.”