For the third time this week, a group of students had taken over the accessible stall, laughing and chatting as though they were in the cafeteria rather than a bathroom. Lately, I’ve noticed more and more students use these stalls as spaces to socialize. This behavior may seem harmless on the surface, but it carries deeper implications about respect and compassion for others.
Accessible bathroom stalls are not just bigger stalls. They’re specifically designed to accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities. These stalls are equipped with handrails, extra space for maneuvering and other features that make them more accessible for students who use wheelchairs, crutches or have specific needs.
Though accessible bathroom stalls are not exclusive to people with disabilities, it’s disrespectful for any student to occupy these stalls for nonessential reasons. It’s easy to overlook the impact of your behavior if it doesn’t personally affect you. But there are students who are affected by your choices even if you don’t realize it.
Put yourself in the shoes of a student who has to wait or uncomfortably squeeze into a bathroom stall because of this behavior. For some students, accessible bathroom stalls are not a luxury, but a necessity. Students’ needs vary widely, and even if they aren’t immediately visible, disregarding the purpose of these stalls is insensitive and neglectful.
By keeping accessible bathroom stalls open for those who need them, you support a basic human right. The Americans with Disabilities Act aims to ensure that all public spaces are accessible to all regardless of physical abilities.
This problem is not a matter of student comfort. It’s a matter of student decency. Nobody should have to be reminded to follow basic etiquette. Respect goes beyond following rules. It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels valued.
There are plenty of other places to hang out and chat with friends. Respecting the purpose of accessible bathroom stalls also helps maintain their cleanliness and hygiene because students aren’t eating, sitting or socializing in them.
Let’s be clear: accessible bathroom stalls are not hangout spots. They are essential facilities designed with care to support the dignity and accessibility of all individuals. It’s time to honor the purpose of these stalls and make a conscious effort to keep spaces available to those who genuinely need them.
The next time you’re tempted to use these stalls as a meeting place or see someone else doing the same, remember their true purpose. Choose courtesy over convenience and make a difference.