Was Principal Right To Remove Bathroom Doors?
http://www.tweentribune.com/content/was-principal-right-remove-bathroom-doors
Citation: (2011). Was Principal Right to Remove Bathroom Doors?. Retrieved from http://www.tweentribune.com/content/was-principal-right-remove-bathroom-doors
Reflection:
I felt compelled to respond when I happened upon this article for a variety of reasons. First, this article really illustrates some of the issues that one deals with when dealing with tweens. The age gap between tweens is enormous. Some are vandalizing school property, while I've met tweens who wouldn't even understand what graffiti is. Obviously disciplining this age group effectively can be a rough task, same as instructing them can be.
While destruction of public property is serious and should be stopped, my initial reaction was against the action this principal chose. Especially at such a vulnerable age, removing privacy in the bathroom of all locations is risky and insensitive. While I must admit the punishment was effective, I can't help but wonder if there couldn't have been a different way to maintain privacy, dignity, and understanding and yet still deter vandalism. Not all tweens were destroying the bathroom, yet all tweens had to go to school and possibly use that restroom without doors.
I suppose my reaction is biased; I remember clearly being a middle school girl and what that would have felt like to me. Also, somewhere inside I disagree with punishing everyone for the acts of a few. I think when dealing with children, and especially this age, we have to be mindful of the changes they are going through, their needs, and the potential risks of doing something as extreme as removing the doors in a public restroom. The article cites many parents being upset, and even claiming the punishment may be unconstitutional. I have to say, I probably would've faked sick that week were I a tween.
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