Parents report students in Philadelphia wear diapers due to lack of bathroom breaks and are advocating for changes in school policies.

In Philadelphia, an initiative advocating for basic student rights—specifically, guaranteed access to bathrooms and drinking water—has garnered significant attention. Despite extensive discussions, a City Council hearing, and over a year of advocacy from concerned parents, the Philadelphia School District has yet to formalize a commitment to these needs. The urgency of the matter is underscored by an impending vote by the school board on a wellness policy scheduled for Thursday evening.

Advocates argue that ensuring students have access to essential facilities is a critical aspect of maintaining their dignity within educational environments. As part of their campaign, Lift Every Voice Philly—a parent organization—has mobilized families to end policies they describe as dehumanizing. Their demands encompass the elimination of silent lunches and restricted bathroom access, emphasizing that children’s basic needs should not be treated as privileges.

The campaign has resulted in some changes. Following negotiations, the organization successfully eliminated practices of collective punishment and silent lunches while securing guaranteed recess for all K-8 students. However, parents assert that these victories remain incomplete without formal provisions for bathroom and water access.

Recent statements from Tony B. Watlington Sr., the district’s superintendent, reaffirmed the stance that access to basic facilities like bathrooms and drinking water is a fundamental right. Nonetheless, the proposed policy to be reviewed by the board appears to lack comprehensive guarantees. It denotes that drinking water should be readily accessible throughout the school day and prohibits the restriction of bathroom breaks as part of disciplinary measures. Advocates are calling for more explicit guarantees, including the establishment of designated times for bathroom and hydration breaks.

This distinction is pivotal for many families, who note that current practices grant excessive discretion to teachers regarding bathroom access. Situations arise where students, like those at Bryant Elementary, face challenges when requesting permission to use the restroom, particularly when teachers are preoccupied or stressed.

Parents reflect on the emotional toll of their advocacy efforts, expressing disappointment that comprehensive guarantees for facility access have not materialized in the proposed policies. They highlight the repercussions of inadequate water and bathroom access, noting that children—some as old as 12—are subjected to humiliating circumstances as a result.

The Lift Every Voice coalition, which is notably diverse and Black-led, understands that the challenges within Philadelphia schools stem from long-standing underfunding, leading to insufficient attention to student needs. Despite acknowledging the district’s resource constraints, advocates emphasize that proactive measures to guarantee bathroom access and hydration do not necessitate additional funding and could significantly improve the school environment.

Nationally recognized research supports the notion that student comfort correlates with improved educational outcomes, reinforcing the arguments of advocates. A letter from eleven City Council members highlights the importance of creating safe and engaging school environments, noting that policies encouraging play, connection, and student well-being translate into enhanced academic performance and lower disciplinary issues.

As the Philadelphia School District prepares for a pivotal vote, the demand for a more attentive approach to student needs, particularly regarding bathroom and drinking water access, remains a pressing concern for parents advocating for their children’s basic rights.