ROME – Administration at Rome Free Academy has removed the entrance doors to boys’ and girls’ bathrooms throughout the school, according to a notice sent to parents on Tuesday.

RFA Principal Brian LeBaron said in his notice to parents that the entrance doors for boys’ and girls’ bathrooms in the 1200, 2200 and 2300 wings have been removed due to an increase in fighting, bullying and vaping. The stall doors are still intact and there’s no visibility into the bathroom areas because of the 90 degree angles at the entrances, according to LeBaron.

School administration hopes that by removing the bathroom doors, it will deter students from fighting and vaping because of the increased accessibility to the bathrooms.

“Our goal is and will always be to eliminate all fighting, bullying, and vaping at Rome Free Academy and the removal of the exterior bathroom doors will make a significant difference in our overall management of these isolated areas,” LeBaron said in the notice.

LeBaron says that parents who have questions can call his office at 315-334-7202.