On January 6, 2024, the boys’ bathroom on the first floor of C wing was vandalized. In the bathroom, the left wall of the first stall was taken off, leaving an unusable stall with only 2 walls. In response to this act of vandalism, Cherry Hill High School East principal Dr. Dennis Perry went on the announcements, urging students to report the perpetrators of the vandalism and come forward with any information they have. He also reminded students about the importance of being good community members and treating the space with respect.
In an interview, Perry said “[when we find students vandalizing the bathrooms] charges will be filed and we will require restitution.” He continued saying that these acts of destruction cost thousands of dollars in damages. In addition, especially when these acts of vandalism include plumbing, he said that the consequences for students can be severe. It can be days before the bathroom is fixed, and in those days students have less bathrooms to choose from. In light of the effect of these acts of vandalism on bathrooms, Perry offered a stern warning to those who may be thinking of vandalizing bathrooms.
In addition to a hefty fine, Perry said, “When we do catch students [vandalizing school property], there is a lengthy suspension.” Disciplinary action will be taken by administrators, especially if this problem persists.
To the students of Cherry Hill High School East, Perry said “[the bathrooms are] shared spaces, and [students] need to be good community members and have a shared responsibility to [keep the bathrooms in order].”
Perry added that “it is only a few kids” who are continuing the cycle of vandalism and destruction in shared spaces like the bathrooms. He continued by saying that most students do not do things like this, but it is the duty of the student body to help prevent incidents like this from being prevented by any way they are able to.
Currently, the bathroom is running, but without the stall in question.
Bathrooms have been closed before and will be again if vandalism forces them to have to be fixed.