Declaration of Independence from Bathroom Passes at Cooley Middle School

Preamble: We, the students of Cooley Middle School, undertake this task of expressing our common sentiments regarding the strict bathroom policy in effect within our educational establishment. We believe in establishing a school that encourages mutual respect and understanding, and a place where our rights to personal dignity, convenience, and health are upheld. Declaration of Student Rights: All students of Cooley Middle School hold the undeniable right to attend to their bodily functions without restriction or any unnecessary delays. We are entitled to comfort, privacy, and a balanced learning environment. It is our firm belief that requesting and/or requiring bathroom passes infringes on our basic human rights. List of Complaints/Grievances: i. The bathroom pass requirement is a source of unnecessary stress and discomfort. ii. It disrupts the students' attention and focus from their academic tasks. iii. The policy discriminates against those who may have medical or physiological conditions requiring more frequent bathroom visits. iv. It intrudes upon the student’s privacy and strips them of their dignity. v. The policy violates basic human rights of access to sanitation facilities. Prior Attempts to Redress Grievances: The student body has attempted to address the issue by filling collective and individual complaints with the administration. We have sought understanding and change through peaceful dialogues, written requests, and meetings with relevant authorities. These efforts, however, seem to have fallen on deaf ears. Resolution of Independence: Therefore, in the face of these grievances and the lack of appropriate response from school administrators, we declare our independence from the current bathroom pass system. We petition for complete abolition of the bathroom pass system, and full reinstatement of our right to access sanitation facilities whenever needed. This Declaration of Independence from the Bathroom Pass System is effective immediately, unless the school administration agrees to our terms - that every student enjoys unlimited access to sanitary facilities whenever required, thus ensuring our dignity, health, and welfare are prioritizied. We, the students of Cooley Middle School, in solidarity, make this declaration, affirming that our necessity to maintain basic human rights outweighs any administrative need for regulated breaks. We commit our collective voice and pledge our unified determination in seeing this change implemented.