Three Arrowhead Union High School students have spoken out against a new electronic pass (or ePass) system that limits how many times students can use the bathroom during the school day and week.
The ePass system functions as an electronic hall pass that students must use to take bathroom breaks during school hours. Students are restricted to three bathroom visits per day and seven total visits per week.
Watch: Only 7 bathroom trips per week, Arrowhead students question limits on new ePass
"I feel like this system should not have been implemented," said JP Moen, an Arrowhead student who addressed the school board about the issue.
Moen, a cross-country athlete, said the system penalizes him for staying hydrated for his sport.
"Say I drank a lot of water that day, and I try to go to the bathroom two periods in a row, you can't go. It's messed up," Moen said.
The system also limits how many students can check out passes simultaneously, creating additional barriers for bathroom access.
"You only get three a day and seven a week, and if you are having extenuating circumstances, it doesn't matter, you literally can't go to the bathroom," said student Gabi Eggers.
Student Mariela Scarpaci described how crowded conditions further complicate bathroom access.
"If there is a line, I'm just like I will wait, and I end up not going to the bathroom all day," Scarpaci said.
District defends system
The Arrowhead Schools superintendent defended the ePass system in a statement, saying it "ensures safety, maximizes student learning, encourages responsibility and minimizes inappropriate behavior."
The superintendent added that the district provides accommodations to students who need extra passes or additional time.
Other districts using similar systems
Arrowhead is not alone in implementing electronic bathroom pass systems. Both Pewaukee Schools and the Waukesha School District use similar technology.
The Waukesha School District said this is their second year using the system and that it works effectively.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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