Many new rules were introduced at Grand Junction High School after the completion of the new building.

However, one rule that stands out is a new bathroom policy. This policy makes it so students can’t use the restrooms for the first and last 10 minutes of class time.

I understand why this rule was created. Trying to counter students ditching is difficult, and in theory this method could help. However, rules like this only work if everyone follows the rules, which we all know isn’t going to happen. This in turn makes it so only rule followers are punished.

“I don’t like it because sometimes I need to go at the beginning and end of class,” said GJHS freshman Joshua Holt.

One way I feel this rule could be improved is by simply shortening the time to five minutes. That gives plenty of time for students to get to class and for teachers to clear the hallways. This also doesn’t affect students nearly as much as the current 10-minutes rule. Many students also agree with this suggestion.

“I feel like it could be cut down to five minutes, which would give kids enough time to clear out of the hall,” said GJHS sophomore Lincoln Bavor.

However, many staff agree with the policy and its length. Staff that are on duty find it easier to check the hall with the 10 minute policy.

“I’m in favor of it. It helps students to get to class on time and not be ditching,” said GJHS science teacher Matt Herni.

The new policy may have helped improve students getting to class on time overall, but I still feel like the execution could be much better if the time was shortened. Another idea could be letting students use the restroom with something visible to differentiate each other such as a colored lanyard to tell students apart.

If the end goal is better attendance, there are more layers to the issue to address than just the bathroom policy.