Tampa school locks students out of restrooms

By: Beau Zimmer

Tampa, Florida-- Students who attend Freedom High School in New Tampa say this week, freedom is in short supply. Ever since vandalism showed up on bathroom walls across campus, school administrators have locked up all but one set of restrooms throughout the school day. Students say the issue is creating long lines and causing some students to be late or miss class completely.

Amanda Polk, Freedom High Senior:

“I’m a female and I need to use the bathroom. I had to take 10 to 20 minutes out of class to go wait in line.”

Ryon Matheson, Freedom High Junior:

“They are really strict. If you’re not in your seat, it’s a tardy.”

Tardies can result in detention or in an all day in school suspension. It’s such a problem some students say they’ve turned to urinating outside or in plastic water bottles.

Jason Polo, Freedom High Senior:

“I sometimes save the bottles and pee in those if I have to.”

Ben Walters, Freedom High Senior:

“I’ve seen people peeing in the bushes. It’s getting out of control.”

School administrators did not want to appear on camera but did confirm restrooms had been locked. We were unable to reach the principal of Freedom High School Tuesday afternoon, but parents say the news is upsetting.

Ann Arledge, Freedom High Parent:

“That’s unacceptable! You need to go to the bathroom sometimes. You’ve got to give them an opportunity to go to the bathroom.”

Ben Walters, Freedom High Senior:

“I’m 18 years old. I’m an adult and I can’t even go to the bathroom during the day. There’s something wrong with that.”

Students say they have no idea when the restrooms might reopen. Some can’t wait for graduation, a day they say, will bring long awaited relief.