POLL: Do you think unisex toilets, with no alternative, in schools are appropriate? Parents and pupils raise concerns over lack of alternative to unisex toilets at Culloden Academy in Inverness
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Do you think school-aged pupils should be forced to share toilets in schools?
Parents at Culloden Academy are raising concerns about unisex toilets that offer no alternative to pupils, fitted during the summer at the school.
Parents of pupils at Culloden Academy say they were not consulted on the removal of all single-sex toilets in the school, and were shocked to learn female pupils as young as 11 will be sharing a toilet with boys as old as 18 at the school.
Grandparent Judith Reid said: "My personal view is that this is just another step towards girls and women's safe spaces being eroded.
"This is simply not acceptable.
"Sharing toilet spaces with an open door – the latches have been taped over so anyone can see who is in there.
"So does my 12-year-old have to share with a 17-year-old boy?
"Girls are refusing to go to them, never mind going into the highly emotional and embarrassing times of periods. Some toilets don't even have bins.
"I’m beyond furious that the school has taken this stance."
Local councillors Ken Gowans and Duncan Macpherson said they were not consulted on the unisex toilet block for the school, and while they both knew there was an overspend on the toilet block – that was completed in time for pupil's return to school – they were never told they were to be unisex.
But what is your view - tell us in our poll below - should pupils be forced to use unisex toilets, or should Highland Council rethink and open single sex toilets for pupils?
Read the full story here.
Highland Council has been asked for a comment.
