Parents Protest Gender-Neutral Bathroom at Virginia High School

CHRISTIANSBURG, VA – Parents at Christiansburg High School are speaking out after a new gender-neutral bathroom was introduced. The open-plan restroom, with floor-to-ceiling stalls, is designed to promote privacy and inclusivity. However, some parents argue it could increase bullying and cause emotional harm, especially for adolescent girls.

Alecia Vaught, a grandmother of CHS students, criticized the design as a “complete invasion of privacy,” citing fears about menstruation-related embarrassment and co-ed handwashing. “This setup could scar girls for life,” she said.

Josh Bower, the architect, defended the plan, stating, “Bathrooms are one of the highest anxiety areas. These stalls ensure complete privacy.” School policy supports gender-inclusive spaces and offers single-user options for those seeking additional privacy.

Online reaction has been mixed. Some parents called the restroom “unsafe” and a misuse of tax dollars, while others noted that shared bathrooms are common in homes.

The debate highlights ongoing tensions between privacy concerns and efforts to foster inclusivity in public schools.

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