Unisex toilets for primary schools.. it’s WC gone mad
Parents object as council insist move will cut bullying
PARENTS have hit out at plans to introduce unisex toilets at new primary schools in Glasgow.
Council bosses believe the same-sex loos will cut bullying and help pupils who are confused about their gender.
Several parents have written letters of objection to the local authority after it emerged boys and girls will share lavatories at Gowanbank, Blairdardie and Carntyne primaries.
Gowanbank Primary is about 50 per cent complete, while planning applications have been submitted for the other two schools, with construction expected to start in the summer.
Malcolm Balfour, SNP councillor for Drumchapel and Anniesland, said parents had approached him with “serious concerns” over the use of unisex toilets at Blairdardie Primary. He added: “In Scandinavian countries they do this quite successfully, and I can see that it teaches kids it doesn’t matter what their gender is, but parents feel they should have been consulted first.”
In a letter to the council, objector Joyce McCann raised concerns about pupils sharing toilets if their religion doesn’t allow it.
And Allan Walker called on Glasgow City Council to produce evidence that same-sex toilets reduce bullying.
David McEwan, estate programme manager for the council’s education services, insisted: “Bullying is reduced, behaviour is improved, no graffiti, no soggy bombs on the ceilings.
“It also assists in the LGBT agenda, because if we have children who are confused about their gender and worry, ‘Do I go to the girls’ toilet or the boys’ toilet?’ – well, it doesn’t matter.
McEwan said the toilets will be fully enclosed but share a row of sinks.
Each floor will also have a fully accessible toilet away from the unisex loos that can be used by any pupil who doesn’t want to use the main facilities.