THUNDER BAY – Confederation College has implemented gender neutral washrooms and change rooms in all of its campuses, for students who don’t feel comfortable using male or female washrooms.
“We’re giving people more choices, so we still have gendered washrooms, male and female, and we have gender-inclusive washrooms and change rooms so that people are comfortable making the choice that’s right for them,” said Anne Renaud, dean of the college's School of Business, Hospitality & Media Arts.
The changes include signage indicating washrooms are now gender-neutral, as well as privacy stalls installed in the washrooms.
The decision to add the gender-neutral washrooms was made after students and staff brought concerns about the lack of accessible washrooms where transgender and gender-fluid students could feel comfortable and safe.
“We'd like to make this a safe space for everybody, and if anyone needs additional support, we want to make sure people aren’t questioning people, ‘are you in the right washroom?’ If they’re in the washroom, respect their choice,” said Renaud.
“We do have a human rights email address, and we also have security that is there to support people that are being threatened or harasses in any way in any of our facilities.”
Lakehead University has offered all-gender washrooms for at least five years. With more added this fall, Lakehead has 19 all-gender washrooms on their Thunder Bay campus, with some that can accommodate more than one person at a time, and more will be added next semester.
Improving access to gender-neutral washrooms was identified as a priority in Lakehead's Accessibility Plan and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan.
