A Kurunjang mum is taking Melton Secondary College to the Australian Human Rights Commission in the belief it is denying students “a basic human right”.
Sarah Russell has lodged a complaint with the commission over the school’s practice of locking its toilets during class times.
The Department of Education and Training says the school has five sets of toilets, two of which are locked during class times and opened at recess, lunch and before and after school, and three sets that are open at all times.
A mediation session between Ms Russell, the school and the education department will be held at the commission on May 21.
Ms Russell says students, including her son Matthew, 15, are required to ask for permission to use a toilet during class time.
She says that on one occasion, Matthew was unable to use the toilets during lunchtime because they had not been unlocked.
“The only available toilet to use was next to the sick bay … he was stopped and told that he was not to use the toilet,” Ms Russell said.
“When he explained that the other toilets were still locked, he was told to find the principal to open them.
“My son has haemophilia, a bleeding disorder that affects his joints. At times, my son has trouble walking due to his condition as he is prone to joint bleeds. My son should not have to walk across the school having to ask permission to use a toilet and have someone determine if he has a good reason.”
Ms Russell said she lodged the complaint to force the school to unlock the toilets.
“I don’t believe students should be stopped from using the toilets,” she said. “I just want the toilets open and accessible to students at all times. It’s a basic human right.”
A department spokesman said it was committed to providing an inclusive environment that respects the dignity and rights of all students.
“The department is currently working with the school and family to resolve a complaint made to the Australian Human Rights Commission,” the spokesman said.
