Students protest against toilet rules

STUDENTS at Melksham Oak Community School have protested over the school’s rules around the school uniform and using the toilet during lesson time; Similar protests have also happened in schools across the country, and have been spread across social media platforms such as TikTok. 

In September last year, Melksham Oak Community School closed the two largest toilets during lesson time, following an issue with some students vaping in the facilities.

Along with this closure, students must also wear a lanyard when going to the toilet during lessons, to indicate why they are out of the class. In protest against these rules, some students did not go lessons at the start of period three on Friday 24th February.

Stating the rules around toilet use during lesson time, principal Alan Henderson said, “Since September, the decision was taken to close the two largest toilets during lesson time only. These toilets are opened before and after school, breaktime and lunchtime. Other toilets are available during lessons and students are allowed to go to the toilet during lessons if absolutely necessary. They are provided with a lanyard to indicate to staff that they are allowed to be out of lessons.

“This became necessary because a minority of students were gathering in the toilets to vape, and many younger students reported how intimidating the toilets had become. Students were also vandalising the toilets and causing hundreds of pounds of damage.”

Following the protest, a letter was issued to parents and carers. Principal Alan Henderson said in the letter, “A large number of our students did not go to lessons at the beginning of period three. This ‘protest’ is something which has been heavily fuelled by social media, especially via TikTok. Other schools in Wiltshire and around the country have experienced similar disruption.

“Whilst I appreciate that students may have legitimate concerns about certain aspects of social life, this is not the way for them to have their voices heard. Instead, we have a very active student forum who meet fortnightly to discuss student concerns and ideas. Every student has the opportunity to influence the topics discussed at this student forum by sharing them with their tutor group representatives.

“Forum members are then invited to attend senior team meetings to discuss issues and any proposals for change they may have. I realise that there are currently some concerns about the school canteen and toilets and these are two areas where we are planning to make improvements in the coming weeks.”

Addressing the protest against school uniform rules, Alan Henderson said in the letter, “I am also aware that students are ‘protesting’ because they object to our uniform rules and the fact we enforce them. Every school has uniform expectations, and I hope you will continue to support us in ensuring that students meet our high expectations.”

In the letter parents and carers were urged to discuss the matter with their child, to prevent further protests potentially planned. The letter said, “I have been made aware by a number of parents at the weekend that some of our students are attempting to organise a further ‘protest’ for tomorrow morning (Monday). I would appreciate you discussing this matter with your child before they come into school tomorrow.

“I do of course want to work with you to avoid further disruption. To this end, please speak with your child about how best to ensure their voice contributes to positive change.”

The school has since confirmed that there have been no further protests and students have been discussing their concerns with the student council.