Upgrades to gender inclusive bathrooms are in the works on campus, including an update to the Pads and Tampons initiative.
Abby Banks, Student Government Association president and her executive committee plan to upgrade the Pads and Tampons initiative and provide cleaner signage on gender neutral bathrooms across campus..
Banks said the PAT initiative started under the previous SGA president’s administration, and it supplies feminine products in the restrooms located on campus. She said her team has seen a need for these resources.
“There is an issue with individuals not being able to afford these items. We do not want any of our students to be without something so necessary,” she said.
Banks said her team will be expanding PAT both in scope and accessibility.
“We will be adding feminine products to all gender-inclusive bathrooms. Our team has also purchased automatic dispensers that will help with access and minimize contact,” Banks said.
OCU implemented gender-inclusive bathrooms throughout campus, however the signage on these facilities does not clearly state what they are. Reid Powell, SGA vice president, proposed the idea to modernize and update signage for these spaces.
Banks said the funding for this update will come from the initiative’s budget allocated each academic year to the SGA executive committee.
Banks said she believes the campus is outdated in various areas and updating the signs for the gender neutral bathrooms allows for a more well-rounded and welcoming environment.
“We are hoping to do this to best represent all of our students and make them feel comfortable,” Banks said. “We also hope in doing so we will spread awareness that diversity makes the campus body.”
The timeline for this change should be within the coming month. Banks said she hopes to have the project completed this term.
“Our goal for this is to have the signs installed by the end of the semester. That is a hefty goal, but we will shoot for spring 2021 if not sooner,” Banks said.
Emmett Reese, acting sophomore, said he understands the pressures related to finding a bathroom on campus and feeling comfortable using said facility.
“There is often that awkward feeling for binary trans people to choose whether to use a bathroom they identify with or use the one they socially ‘read as or pass for,’” Reese said. “It is definitely stressful and can be met with ridicule.”
He said he thinks the proper signage will be a good step for the university.
“The use of gender-neutral spaces alleviate pressure on a trans or non-binary person to decide which they feel most comfortable,” Reese said.
Banks said she feels that these resolutions will provide more quality to campus and allow students of all backgrounds to come to find a home on campus and be comfortable.
“I truly believe our community is one of inclusivity welcoming everyone,” Banks said. “We have much to do to modernize some areas around campus and we need to take ownership of that. With these actions, not only are we taking a stance for gender-inclusive spaces and resources but also broadcasting the need for acceptance of all on campus.”
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