Christiansburg High School in Virginia recently introduced an “open plan” gender-neutral bathroom, aiming to create a welcoming space for all students. Yet this change has caused serious concern among parents who worry it threatens privacy and could lead to bullying, especially among teenage girls.
Alecia Vaught, grandmother of two students, expressed fears about girls dealing with their periods without privacy or access to necessary products. She also noted the stalls allow sounds to carry, making it uncomfortable when boys are nearby.
She called the design an “invasion of privacy” and said young girls need personal space to feel safe and secure, especially during stressful moments.
Vaught also warned that the setup could cause lasting emotional harm if girls feel watched or embarrassed.
On the other hand, Josh Bower, representing the design firm, said the bathroom’s goal is to reduce anxiety related to bullying. The floor-to-ceiling stalls protect private activities, he said.
School policy supports gender identity access and offers single-user options for privacy.
Despite the policy, the bathroom design stirred heated debates on social media, with some calling it unsafe and a waste of taxpayer dollars.
🚨’HOW COULD THAT NOT SCAR YOUNG GIRLS FOR LIFE?’
Parents are outraged about the new “open plan” bathrooms at Christiansburg High School. It appears to be a multi-gender restroom.
What’s that? A Frankensteinian attempt at compromise between sanity and gender ideology.
🧵1/10 pic.twitter.com/U7dEJFsmOm
— Tyler O’Neil (@Tyler2ONeil) August 13, 2025
Others pointed out that gender-neutral bathrooms exist in many homes, questioning why this is controversial.
The disagreement highlights the difficulty of balancing inclusivity with personal comfort in school settings.
Parents continue to voice concerns for the wellbeing of vulnerable students as the debate unfolds.
What is your opinion on gender-neutral bathrooms in schools? Join the conversation by sharing your views.
