Worst restroom on campus?
Letter to the Editor
Kudos to Andrew McDowell for his recent study of bathrooms on campus ("The Royal and Not-So-Royal Flush," Scene Nov. 12). However, in spite of his fine research, Andrew seems to have overlooked what we are sure is the worst men's restroom at Notre Dame. Anyone who has ever visited the Law School and used the men's room in the basement (or even walked past it) will attest to the fact that it truly is the worst facility under the shadow of the Dome.
This bathroom just reeks; there is no other way to say it. It smells like a diaper full of boiled meat. Or the septic tank of a slaughterhouse. The point is, you don't even have to be in the bathroom to experience its, ah, unique bouquet; the foul odors creep into the hallway and gag everyone that passes by. Even students spending time in the activities office across the hall have sometimes had to flee the noxious fumes.
Worse, this bathroom in unbearably hot. Although no one can determine the source of this outrageous heat, one law professor speculated that it may be situated on top of Hell's primary exhaust system. The heat intensifies the malodorous air to produce a fetid stench so vile you can almost see it. This "restroom" is certainly not for resting. I think Lazarus coming out of the tomb moved with less alacrity than men bolting out of that john.
Inequitably, the corresponding women's rest room in the law school is much more pleasant. Though we lack any first-hand knowledge of the conditions (we swear), it is our understanding that the ladies' "lounge" comes complete with carpeting and a couch. In fact, we've heard that the women's bathroom is so cozy and comfortable that some of our female compatriots have been found napping in there.
We realize that disgusting bathroom conditions, while certainly something everyone can relate to, are no joking matter. We simply think that the horrors suffered by both the male law students using the basement bathroom and those unfortunate enough just to pass by it need to be brought to the attention of the campus at large. We understand that the graduate students in general are largely ignored by The Observer, but some excretory offenses are so severe that they should not go without mention in your pages.
Robb Kestner
David Petron
3rd and 2nd year Law
November 12, 1999
All Viewpoint Stories for Tuesday, November 16, 1999
