VANCOUVER- A third grade teacher at a Washington elementary school will not be facing any disciplinary actions after a student wet her pants as a result of a “pay to potty” program in the classroom. One student told reporters that two of her teachers require children to use fake reward money in order to use the bathroom during class. Students can also use the money to get special treats like toys or candy. Two mothers filed complaints with the school district after their daughters wet their pants in the classroom when they didn’t have enough money to go to the bathroom.
“I’m so angry!” One mother told KATU, “When a child has to pay money to use the bathroom…It’s inhumane. That’s a health issue.”
The Columbian reports, “The investigative report, released by the district Thursday afternoon, stated that the classroom policy for additional bathroom breaks came in response to numerous class interruptions, with students leaving to use the restroom. The decision to use classroom dollars was based on the class system already in place. The teacher did not want to introduce a new bathroom pass system that would require students to navigate two systems.” The teachers union defended that decision.
A district spokeswoman said the Monopoly money is a form of bathroom pass and, “Elementary school children may have accidents … That’s why we have an entire clothes closet.” according to KATU.
Read more: KATU