John Dewey High School students have conflicting opinions on the new gym locker room policies; some believe that they are somewhat beneficial while others think they are mostly ineffective.
As of the new 2024 to 2025 school year, the bathroom locker rooms were made available to all John Dewey students for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic. However, many students have differing opinions.
Although this policy may be new to students, it has been around for decades but was only implemented recently due to the pandemic, which required social distancing. It wasn’t until recently that students could use the locker rooms.
“The policy has always been institutionalized in the school system, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the locker rooms couldn’t be used.” Heather Adelle, the principal at John Dewey High School said.
Some students react negatively to the new changes, claiming that it can be unsafe and unclean due to cases of stolen items, the lack of available lockers, and in some cases a foul odor in the rooms.
“I don’t think my belongings are safe, I heard another student got her fundraising chocolates stolen and it’s unsanitary to leave all the bags jumbled up on the bench…it smells sometimes.” senior Elizabeth Dutan said.
When this issue was brought to the Principal’s attention, she immediately addressed it and has currently been taking action by making changes to ensure that students feel more safe using the lockers.
“Our PSAL team places their equipment in the lockers, we are always looking for ways to improve. Locks will be available in a few days in the school store.” Principal Adelle said.
Despite the negative responses to the incorporation of the locker rooms, other students believe they are beneficial. Some claim it allows them to have a place to store their belongings without worrying about it being misplaced.
“I think it is safe. I can put my stuff away, without having to worry about it being misplaced…you can put a lock on the lockers so no one takes your things.”, senior Jacqueline Franco said.
With the new locker room policy causing various opinions it’s hard to tell whether this is a positive or negative change. One thing we can most agree with however is that the locker rooms would benefit from an upgrade. Improvements such as curtains for privacy so students can feel comfortable changing, working soap dispensers, and installing air fresheners.
