Parents express outrage over the school’s new gender-neutral bathroom

Parents Protest Gender-Neutral Bathroom at Virginia High School

Privacy Concerns Spark Backlash

Parents at Christiansburg High School in Virginia are speaking out against a newly installed gender-neutral bathroom.

The restroom, designed with floor-to-ceiling stalls and a shared sink area, is part of a plan to create a safer, more inclusive environment.

But many in the community, especially parents of teen girls, say the design may do more harm than good.

Alecia Vaught, a grandmother of two students at the school, strongly opposes the setup. “Could you imagine just starting your period and not being able to get what you need?” she said. “That is NOT okay.” She called the restroom a “complete invasion of privacy for our girls.”

Fears of Bullying and Emotional Impact

Critics worry the shared space could increase bullying, especially during sensitive moments. “This setup will only encourage bullying, especially if someone sees period blood on a student’s clothing,” Vaught warned. “How could any of that not scar them for life?”

School Defends Design

Architect Josh Bower defended the design at a school board meeting, claiming it reduces anxiety. “Bathrooms are one of the highest anxiety areas for students,” he said. “These stalls go from floor to ceiling. They’re completely private.”

School policy, adopted in 2021, supports access to facilities based on a student’s gender identity and recommends single-user options for those who prefer more privacy.

Mixed Community Reactions

Reactions have been divided online. One user called the restroom “ridiculous, unsafe, and just wrong.” Another said, “Our tax dollars obnoxiously spent to accommodate less than 1% is ridiculous!”

However, some parents pointed out that gender-neutral bathrooms are common at home, questioning the outrage. As the debate continues, concerns over safety, privacy, and inclusion remain front and center.