UVM announces gendered bathroom changes

The University announced a plan to update existing plans for gendered bathroom usage.

Plans for the future will include “larger multi-use restrooms” and working to “improve the access to access to the restrooms for people with disabilities,” according to an email sent by the University Feb. 27.

The email was sent by Tom Gustafson, vice president for university relations, Wanda Heading-Grant, vice president for human resources, diversity, and multicultural affairs and Annie Stevens, vice provost for student affairs.

In addition, the University is working to eliminate situations where individuals have had to move around to different buildings to find their appropriate restrooms, according to the email.

“Over time, we will be making changes in our restroom signage, usage, and configurations to accomplish these goals,” the email stated.

Twelve points of recent changes and future plans were outlined in the email.

“It is important that we work together to change our campus environment to help all members of our community feel comfortable in our facilities,” the email stated.

The University focused on recognizing the concerns students have raised regarding gender and restrooms. The email reiterated the University’s commitment to diversity.

The project will be paid for using money the University has allotted for bathroom maintenance, the email stated.

Questions and concerns will be forwarded to appropriate resources, including the LGBTQA center, the email stated.

On Feb. 22, President Donald Trump removed Obama-era protections which allowed students to use bathrooms corresponding with their gender identity, according to a New York Times article published the same day.