How Do BHSEC Students Feel About the Bathroom Renovations?
Carly Dickinson ’28
Dr. Pew sent out two emails about the bathroom color choices, several about bathroom norms, and others about the incidents of vandalism. One thing is for certain: Dr. Pew’s time as principal has been pretty bathroom-centric. When asked about the renovations, he explained that his main goal is to fully fix the bathrooms, which haven’t been renovated in over 50 years and were originally for children. He also shared that the survey was meant to give students a choice in the appearance of the bathrooms, since they’re the ones using them. Many students had concerns about the survey, especially the focus on paint colors. One anonymous student asked, “Why are we focused on colors?” Another said, “The colors were giving piss yellow, gay grape, lesbian leg of lamb.” For several students, the bigger question was why the renovations seemed centered on aesthetics, when basic necessities like soap or toilet paper were often missing.
After getting the chance to ask Dr. Pew, it became clear that the survey was only about the appearance of the bathrooms and that they will be fully renovated beyond that. The main issue, however, is communication. Although many emails have been sent, they haven’t been particularly comprehensive. Since these updates only began under the current principal, students haven’t been informed about the process of the grants, or the larger renovation plans, only smaller updates on the contractor and paint options. The survey itself could have included an explanation of the specific renovation plans, since students were confused about why paint colors seemed to be the main topic.. In the future, I hope that there will be more in-depth updates on projects that affect all BHSEC students, especially since students were originally part of the voting process to secure the grant.
Students also wondered why grant money was being used for the bathrooms rather than clubs, which often need significant support. It seems that this particular grant was specifically designed for bathroom renovations , but this is another detail that could have been communicated more clearly. On the bright side, many students appreciated that bathrooms were finally being refurbished and were glad to have a say in the matter at all. Still, not everyone was fully convinced. One student commented, “It kind of bothers me that it says Please note: the final decision must be approved by the principal. He seems like a ‘Garden Spot’ kind of guy.” I’m not quite sure which colors would absolutely not be approved, or why those options would be included in the survey at all. In the words of a rather poetic and insightful student, “This is kinda crazy (plum crazy).” Overall, I think most of us are happy that our school is being cared for, and can only hope that the upkeep continues.