Parents Voice Outrage Over Gender-Neutral Bathroom at Virginia High School

CHRISTIANSBURG, VA – Parents at Christiansburg High School (CHS) are raising alarms after the school added a gender-neutral bathroom to its new design. Some worry the change could encourage bullying and “scar” students for life.

The school introduced an “open plan” gender-neutral restroom, saying it would make students feel more comfortable. However, community members argue it may have the opposite effect, especially on adolescents navigating physical changes.

Concerns About Privacy

Alecia Vaught, 49, a grandmother of two teens at CHS, expressed strong concerns. “Could you imagine just starting your period and not being able to get what you need?” she told The Daily Signal. “I would have been mortified at that age.”

Vaught highlighted that while stalls offer some cover, they don’t block out sounds. “How would you feel washing your hands and seeing a boy or man right beside you at the sink? That is NOT okay,” she said.

She called the design a “complete invasion of privacy for our girls.” According to Vaught, teenage girls need private spaces to regroup, ask for pads or tampons, and check their appearance.

Potential for Bullying

Vaught warned that high school is already stressful. “This setup will only encourage bullying, especially if someone sees period blood on a student’s clothing,” she said. “Young girls shouldn’t have to worry about boys and men watching them. How could any of that not scar them for life?”

School Officials Defend the Design

Josh Bower, from the firm that designed the new bathroom, insists the open plan aims to reduce bullying. “Bathrooms are one of the highest anxiety areas for students,” Bower said at a 2023 school board meeting. “These stalls go from floor to ceiling. They’re completely private when students use them.”

The board’s policy, enacted in 2021, supports gender-inclusive facilities. It states that “students should have access to facilities that correspond with their consistently asserted gender identity or expression.” Additionally, it recommends single-user, gender-inclusive options for any student seeking privacy.

Community Reactions

Despite the policy, reactions on social media have been heated. J.R. Putnam, a CHS alumni group member, shared photos of the new restroom showing male, female, and half-and-half signage, plus a wheelchair icon.

Comments ranged from disbelief to anger:

• “This bathroom is for everyone!! This is ridiculous, unsafe, and just wrong,” one wrote.

• “Our tax dollars obnoxiously spent to accommodate less than 1% is ridiculous!” another added.

• “Please tell me this is not an open restroom,” a third commented.

Meanwhile, some parents point out that shared bathrooms are common at home. “I just realized…almost every home I’ve been to has a gender-neutral bathroom. How will kids handle a school bathroom?” one parent wrote on Facebook.

A Heated Debate

The controversy has left many parents concerned about privacy and safety. Critics argue that the new gender-neutral bathrooms could place vulnerable students in uncomfortable or humiliating situations. Supporters say the design fosters inclusivity and reduces bullying.

What do you think about gender-neutral bathrooms in schools? Share your thoughts and join the conversation.