The restrooms have been a problem at WCHS, from graffiti in and on stalls to unsanitary conditions and many students have expressed a need for change. There are concerns with how sanitary the restrooms are kept during the school day.

“The bathrooms really smell horribly and I feel like it has to do with the fact that they never really take out the trash. There’s always bloody tampons and pads just lying around as well,” said Freshman Linette Garcia.    

“It’s just really gross. The fact that people urinate on the floor and leave used toilet paper everywhere is just unsanitary. Even toilet paper on the roof is just crazy,” said Senior Evan Soto.

What some may not think about is that restroom conditions aren’t just dependent on custodial staff, but also the students themselves.

“Us custodians know you people want clean bathrooms, but it’s a team effort in order to get that. So please, use the restroom, clean up after yourself, just do what you have to do and move on,” said Alma Garcia, custodian.

A second problem in many of the restrooms is the lack of mirrors. Mirrors have been removed due to students etching into them. Etching is the act of taking something sharp and carving into the mirror.

“People are constantly taking that privilege away from us by writing graffiti on the mirrors and I understand the custodians probably don’t want to get hurt or deal with it anymore after so long,” said Soto.

The school has replaced the mirrors in the past, yet when they do replace them, students continue etching on them.

“Everytime we replace it, it just happens again. If someone touches the glass with scratchings on it, they could end up being cut, which leads to contamination of blood being on the sinks and floors of the restroom, which is just a hazard for everyone,” said Plant Supervisor Danny Lopez.

When custodians clean after the graffiti in the restrooms, they have to use a chemical that can damage their lungs and cause future problems for them.

“If we continue to use these chemical products to clean after the students’ messes, it will definitely harm our health in the present and future,” said Garcia.

“I hope that when students see something that they will say something. Whether that be to the student or a teacher. It will help our restrooms be clean and safe in the end,” said Lopez.

With all these problems in mind, administrators implemented a QR code system where students can scan the code and submit complaints or alert administration of restroom needs.