The men’s restrooms in the 1500 and 2300 hallways were recently locked locked due to major graffiti problems, as administration worked to find the students responsible.

“We hope to deter future acts of vandalism by making sure students are held accountable for their actions,” Assistant Principal Chad Russell said. “Individuals who vandalize school property will be caught and will be held accountable through disciplinary action outlined in the LISD Student Code of Conduct.”

Other students, seeing the harsh punishment for this kind of behavior, will be highly discouraged to repeat the offence.

On average, including the labor and chemicals required to clean the restrooms, it can cost $40-60 per stall to remove graffiti.

The maximum punishment the school can give for this case is at least 10 days in Disciplinary Alternative Education Program, according to the Student Code of Conduct.

“I think the punishment is a little harsh,” senior Christian Murray said. “There are worse things that can happen.”

But a strict punishment just might be necessary.

“We are all shaking our heads,” Russell said, “Flower Mound High School is a fabulous school with very high standards. We have an excellent staff and school here and we have very high expectations.”

Graffiti carries a punishment ranging from a Class C misdemeanor to first-degree felony. According to the website Texas Defense Lawyer, graffiti becomes an automatic state jail felony, even with damages under $20,000, when it involves a school, church, cemetery, public monument, or community center.

“Kids think that the school is public property, but it actually belongs to LISD,” attendance clerk Dania Henkelmann said.

While students may be inconvenienced by the closed restrooms, maintaining the integrity of the school is of the upmost importance.