By Ashley McHugh | Observer Contributor
Photo by Thomas Hill Jr.
Gender neutral bathrooms are popping up on campuses across the country, including here at Mount Wachusett Community College. The move for the gender neutral bathrooms on campus began last year with the transgender population petitioning for the change.
According to The New York Times, the movement initially began in 2013 when a transgender athlete in Illinois pushed for her right to gender inclusive bathrooms. Last fall, the Department of Education’s Civil Rights sector ruled in favor of the student’s need for gender inclusive bathrooms. It was arranged for the student to use the locker room and the school would install private changing areas. Some in the community denounced the decision while others joined the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois, which represented the girl, in declaring a victory for civil rights.
Last year, the Obama Administration ordered all public schools to allow students to use the bathroom of their choice.
Students at MWCC seem to be thrilled about the gender neutral bathrooms and what it meant for the transgender generation. MWCC Freshman Riya Patel said, “It is amazing for the students, they get to be themselves and feel comfortable in their environment.”
Some students feel that other students are taking advantage of the situation. Sophomore Sharie Melendez said, “Some students say that they use the gender neutral bathrooms because they are private and they can do whatever they want, but it is for students who need the gender inclusivity. The bathrooms are being abused, but it is still a huge deal for the Trans community.”
The case is simple, gender inclusive bathrooms are a huge win for the transgender community not just here on campus, but nationwide. Students in the Trans community are starting to have a sense of acceptance and safety.
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