A network of charter schools in Chicago is facing backlash due to what many describe as “dehumanizing” bathroom policies. Recent reports reveal that girls are being denied adequate access to bathroom breaks, leading to distressing situations where they bleed through their clothing due to insufficient access to menstrual supplies.
Is This Really Happening?
An anonymous student shared her frustration with an NPR reporter, stating, “We have bathroom escorts, but they hardly ever show up, so we end up leaving class without permission, which gets us in trouble.” The student added, “Who wants to walk around knowing there’s blood on them? It can stain the seats. They need to be more understanding.”
Instead of providing the necessary bathroom breaks to help prevent such incidents, reports indicate that girls are permitted to wear sweatshirts around their waists to cover up any stains. An email was sent to staff members listing the names of girls who were allowed to disregard the dress code without facing penalties.
A spokesperson for the charter network confirmed to HuffPost that bathroom escorts are used during class hours instead of allowing students to leave freely. If it’s true that these escorts are not available when needed, the health implications are concerning—period blood coming into contact with surfaces can pose hygiene risks, and keeping a tampon in for too long can lead to toxic shock syndrome, a serious condition. However, Linda Thompson, president of the Noble Network of Charter Schools, refuted claims made by NPR, asserting, “Noble fully accommodates our students during menstruation, including bathroom access at any time. We deeply care about our students’ health and safety.”
Yet, Scott Emerson, an editor with Illinois Newsroom, argues that the schools are simply attempting to save face in light of these serious allegations. He stated, “Our coverage highlighted various responses to previous discussions on discipline policies at Noble schools. We stand by our reporting and the accounts we received from multiple sources.”
The Noble Network operates 18 campuses serving around 12,000 students, predominantly from marginalized backgrounds. One anonymous teacher expressed concern about the treatment of students, stating, “When you treat us like animals, what do you think our behavior will reflect?” Such treatment is simply unacceptable for young women in educational environments.
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Summary
The bathroom policies at a network of Chicago charter schools have raised serious concerns as they reportedly restrict girls’ access to necessary bathroom breaks, causing distress and health risks. The administration claims to accommodate menstruation needs, but reports suggest otherwise. This treatment is deemed dehumanizing and unacceptable for young women in educational settings.