Quote :

"RALEIGH - In the past, an activist might picket City Hall, burn a draft card or occupy a segregated lunch counter. Now there's a new cause: public restrooms. Bathrooms -- how and where they are built, and who should use them -- are an urgent topic on college campuses across the Triangle and nation. Three N.C. State University students have proposed installing lockable, unisex restrooms in all new campus buildings as a convenience for transgender students, the disabled, nursing mothers and single parents with children of the opposite sex. They seek to join at least 17 universities, including UNC-Chapel Hill, in mandating a gender-neutral john. "There's been a real push to support diversity on campus," said Madeline Goss, a senior and male-to-female transgender student. "I go to the bathroom and I don't get a second look. But there was a time when people walked out when they saw me in the bathroom." The limits of traditional bathroom demarcation have arisen in the state legislature, too. Sen. Janet Cowell, a Raleigh Democrat, introduced a bill in March to mandate twice the number of female restrooms in bars, restaurants, theaters and arenas, a move aimed at ending long restroom lines. She dropped the bill when she learned that the state Department of Insurance had already made nearly all her provisions part of an updated building code. "It's all part of a social movement that reflects the diversity in our society," Cowell said. "Things like parking and bathroom facilities are all part of this movement toward universal standards that are trying to accommodate men and women and families -- having the baby changing station in the men's restroom as well as the women's." Morphing potties To some extent, society has already morphed to fit changing bathroom needs. Dads with baby emergencies can duck into a Harris Teeter potty for a quick change. A Web site called safe2pee.org tracks gender-neutral bathrooms across the country, including spots in Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Cary, even offering reviews on decor. "Possibly one of the prettiest bathrooms in Chapel Hill," reads a review of a Franklin Street sandwich shop. "It's just a one-room with a lock that has a gorgeous decorative finish." N.C. State already has 111 restrooms for a single person -- no specific gender required. The administration building at Holladay Hall offers one in the basement, a cozy spot with exposed plumbing and a window with venetian blinds. But next door in Peele Hall, bathrooms are boy-girl. Project with potential Goss settled on the restroom idea in a summer technical writing class. The assignment: find something on campus you'd like to change and draw up a report to make it happen. When she began becoming a woman in the spring, she met confused faces and dirty looks when she used a men's room. Two classmates joined her in the project, and they saw potential for unisex bathrooms beyond N.C. State's transgender population, which is small and hard to gauge. Disabled people often have caregivers of the opposite sex. Mothers may not be comfortable taking a son into the women's room, or sending a small child into a men's stall alone. The students' proposal envisions bathrooms with doors that can be locked, something that might appeal to sexual assault victims. And nursing mothers need a place to themselves. Goss, senior Ashley Winfree and junior Karen Achtyl spent the summer poring over plumbing codes and state regulations, finding allies in advocacy groups and investigating campuses nationwide. They found policies supporting gender-neutral bathrooms at the University of Arizona and University of California-Berkeley. At Arizona, students can choose restrooms based on perceived identity than biological gender, and the students seek a similar provision here. New restrooms would go in new buildings, those getting major renovations or anyplace possible. (perceived identity, what the fuck is this country going to?) "We sorted through a pile of research," said Winfree. "We had to go through plumbing codes all summer. Cup A Joe became our home." Vice Provost Jose Picart said the students' ideas for adding to the 111 unisex bathrooms make sense. He promised to pass the idea up the administrative chain. "It's gaining that momentum across not just higher education but in public-private buildings everywhere," Picart said, though he added, "I don't think the students were aware there were that many." The N.C. State students met Cowell in a coffee shop during their research and learned of her proposed Restroom Equity Act. It called for twice the number of women's water closets. In a space that draws up to 150 people, the rules would call for one men's room and two women's rooms; between 150 and 300 people, two men's and four women's. It also specifies that gender-free, lockable bathrooms may be substituted. "Almost every woman can recall waiting in a long line to use the bathroom, while there was no comparable line for a neighboring men's bathroom," the bill says. The bulk of her bill would become part of the building code as the Department of Insurance updates it. The students are celebrating. They turned a pile of research into a workable report. They learned to navigate bureaucracy and get the attention of powerful people. If change doesn't come on campus, they said, at least they pushed the idea forward. Better still, they earned an A. "

http://www.newsobserver.com/news/higher_education/story/688062.html

WHAT
THE
FUCK


Ok, it started with the LGBT center, now they're rallying to get all bathrooms gender-neutral so the transgendered freaks will feel better (yes I say freak because they willingly mutilated their own genitalia)

[Edited on August 31, 2007 at 10:35 AM. Reason : linkage]

[Edited on August 31, 2007 at 10:39 AM. Reason : .]

8/31/2007 10:28:49 AM

the slope has become more slippery - i wonder how much will be spent on this so everyone "feels good"

btw edit and post the link - a quote doesn't help without a source

8/31/2007 10:32:25 AM

old

damn you suck today

8/31/2007 10:36:38 AM

I mean, if all bathrooms are gender neutral, how in the hell are US senators supposed to solicit a same sex encounter when they don't know what the gender of the person beside them is?



And ladies, how many of you want this? I know men's bathrooms are disgusting. I admit, I've pissed on the side of a toilet before on accident and didn't clean it up.

8/31/2007 10:37:25 AM

i hate crap like this. that money could be better spent bombing children in Iraqistan

8/31/2007 10:39:00 AM

a gender neutral bathroom is a sexual harassment charge waiting to happen.

8/31/2007 10:40:19 AM

this really is a pretty silly battle to fight considering how many other issues are out there

[Edited on August 31, 2007 at 10:45 AM. Reason : .]

8/31/2007 10:44:58 AM

They're not saying to make ALL bathrooms gender-neutral, but to provide gender-neutral bathrooms in buildings. For instance, where I work now we all share the same lockable bathrooms. I'm sure you've probably been somewhere that does the same, like the waiting rooms in a lot of doctor's offices. Plus these bathrooms are much more handicapped-accessible than regular restrooms.

8/31/2007 10:48:09 AM

Quote :

"And ladies, how many of you want this? I know men's bathrooms are disgusting. I admit, I've pissed on the side of a toilet before on accident and didn't clean it up."

ladies stalls aren't exactly spotless. you should see one at a bar or restaurant at the end of the night.

i have no problems with this. i've seen "family" bathrooms before--gender neutral with changing tables as this one suggests--it really isn't much different. just b/c it suggests it can also be used for transgendered is the only reason it gets you in a tizzy.

and ahhh

Quote :

""Almost every woman can recall waiting in a long line to use the bathroom, while there was no comparable line for a neighboring men's bathroom," the bill says."

yeah I use the one at EV all the time.

^exactly.

[Edited on August 31, 2007 at 10:53 AM. Reason : ]

8/31/2007 10:48:55 AM

it's still a fucking travesty that we have to have a 3rd bathroom. With all the laws governing handicap access, I'm sure the ones being built in new buildings will be accessible anyway.

So the handicap thing is a cop out.

8/31/2007 10:49:55 AM

i'm down for it as long as they are one-player bathrooms

8/31/2007 10:57:31 AM

Quote :

"There's been a real push to support diversity on campus"

Quote :

"It's all part of a social movement that reflects the diversity in our society," Cowell said. "Things like parking and bathroom facilities are all part of this movement toward universal standards that are trying to accommodate men and women and families -- having the baby changing station in the men's restroom as well as the women's"

I call bullshit. How many of you [students] really think your campus experience will be improved because of this?

What do "Things like parking and bathroom facilities are all part of this movement toward universal standards that are trying to accommodate men and women and families" have to do with diversity? Diversity is the real cause, but they are trying to present it as something that benefits us all.

Quote :

"Vice Provost Jose Picart said the students' ideas for adding to the 111 unisex bathrooms make sense. He promised to pass the idea up the administrative chain."

What a waste of money. Every aspect of college is drastically more expensive than it was when I first came to State in 1997. This is really the cause a few nutcase students who don't mind wasting a ton of money in a futile effort to try to accommodate everyone. I bet these 111 bathrooms will cost $10k-15k+ each after you add up all the administrative and construction costs. It's your money that is being used for this crap.

[Edited on August 31, 2007 at 11:23 AM. Reason : s]

8/31/2007 11:16:16 AM

havent you guys seen starship troopers? i mean, this could be kinda cool

8/31/2007 11:23:31 AM

Quote :

"a gender neutral bathroom is a sexual harassment charge waiting to happen"

yeah just wait till someone calls rape, or god forbid an actual rape in one of these things

8/31/2007 11:31:21 AM

but he/she needs one:

8/31/2007 11:39:58 AM

When they say gender-neutral bathrooms, do they just mean single-person bathrooms like those on the ground floor of Harrelson? If so, no problem. If they're talking about larger bathrooms, . Actually, it wouldn't bother me, but I don't know any women that would use it.

8/31/2007 11:42:39 AM

Those 1 person bathrooms are nice for taking a deuce.

8/31/2007 11:48:27 AM

Imagine Carmichael Gym Locker rooms being gender neutral

8/31/2007 11:51:35 AM

Quote :

"a convenience for transgender students"

8/31/2007 11:55:35 AM

Quote :

"When they say gender-neutral bathrooms, do they just mean single-person bathrooms like those on the ground floor of Harrelson?"

I don't think so. The article says "N.C. State already has 111 restrooms for a single person -- no specific gender required." followed by "Vice Provost Jose Picart said the students' ideas for adding to the 111 unisex bathrooms make sense."

I did make a mistake in thinking they were going to build new bathrooms. It looks like they are going to retrofit the current bathrooms if the plan goes through. Still a waste of money IMO; although not as much of a waste as I originally thought.

8/31/2007 12:06:46 PM

What if you sit with a wide-stance?

8/31/2007 12:08:47 PM

I think a few would be fine, even convienant.

but many women would not feel comfortable using a bathroom where a guy is in the next stall.
It's one thing to use them when you're at a concert or a bar or there isn't a ladies room around.

But I think turning all bathrooms gender-neutral would cause more harm than good.
Guys don't want to see feminine products and girls don't want to see piss all over the toilet.

Girls like to comb their hair or check their makeup. We don't need to hear/smell a guy taking a giant shit while doing so. Why do you guys take pride in such things I don't know...

not to mention the sexual harassment charges that would fly.


I'm glad I'm not an undergrad anymore

8/31/2007 12:49:40 PM

god i hate activists

8/31/2007 1:00:18 PM

Quote :

""

8/31/2007 1:01:39 PM

OMG next they will be trying to de segregate the water fountains and schools

8/31/2007 1:26:59 PM

^

This is so fucking retarded its not even funny...lets take every single minority group and build something to especially accommodate them. Lets build special bathrooms for gay trans gendered amputee midgets who can only feel comfortable pissing to strobe lights and the beat of techno music.

8/31/2007 1:34:33 PM

Quote :

""It's just a one-room with a lock that has a gorgeous decorative finish.""

~

8/31/2007 1:42:08 PM

^^ back at ya

[Edited on August 31, 2007 at 1:43 PM. Reason : sr]

8/31/2007 1:42:52 PM

too bad they cant designate one state to have all the gays and transgender people...then the rest of the us wouldnt have to worry about it

8/31/2007 1:44:47 PM

Quote :

"Girls like to comb their hair or check their makeup. We don't need to hear/smell a guy taking a giant shit while doing so. Why do you guys take pride in such things I don't know... "

It's amazing how much shorter a restroom line can be when all you do is pee and wash your hands.

8/31/2007 1:53:05 PM

From the technician:
http://tinyurl.com/28lof8
http://tinyurl.com/yvg6bd

8/31/2007 1:56:28 PM

Quote :

"Winfree said since most of the opposition toward the proposed LGBT center was due to the possible use of student fees, her group does not foresee very much opposition based on similar reasoning since the restrooms will not come out students' pockets. "Our proposal is fairly lengthy but our solution is very easy and, in my eyes, it doesn't cost anything. It's just a simple solution, and it's not the one single answer to create a safe atmosphere but it's a good first step and shows that we care," she said. "

8/31/2007 2:00:05 PM

What will they do to the gym..make a series of one person changing rooms? How about the funds from this project go into putting individual shower stalls in the mens bathroom

8/31/2007 2:01:22 PM

Now I see why they need to raise tuition all the time.

8/31/2007 2:03:49 PM

yeah i never understood why the showers are all out in the open in the gym

8/31/2007 2:04:08 PM

^ there are individual ones in the women's locker, not mens

8/31/2007 2:08:39 PM

Things like this are why I stopped using toilets 3 years ago.

8/31/2007 2:14:24 PM

I only pee in the dirt.

8/31/2007 2:18:15 PM

^^^man wtf...thats fucking gay AND bs...

8/31/2007 2:20:06 PM

Quote :

"It's just a simple solution, and it's not the one single answer to create a safe atmosphere but it's a good first step and shows that we care," she said."

This is very dangerous. Yes, this may not cost all that much. But it's their first step for shit that will cost a hell of a lot of money. And she's appealing to emotions by saying they "care."

If you dumbasses who still pay fees fall for this shit, then you deserve it (like that pic from above)

8/31/2007 2:21:22 PM

men and women have equal rights and opportunities (in theory)

that doesn't mean a little separation in the restrooms is a bad thing!

lol @ bbehe

Quote :

"Lets build special bathrooms for gay trans gendered amputee midgets who can only feel comfortable pissing to strobe lights and the beat of techno music"

8/31/2007 2:23:44 PM

Lets be honest dnl, would it matter if there were individual showers in the mens...70-80 year old professors would still walk around naked for about 20 minutes longer than it should take someone to get dress and try to have conversations with others in the locker room

8/31/2007 2:28:15 PM

it would be nice to have showers that i would use

8/31/2007 2:29:50 PM

i think we need to build showers for transgendered people so no one will ridicule their mutilated genitals.

8/31/2007 2:31:06 PM

Quote :

"Three N.C. State University students have proposed installing lockable, unisex restrooms in all new campus buildings as a convenience for transgender students, the disabled, nursing mothers and single parents with children of the opposite sex."

1) Why is it inconvenient for nursing mothers to just use the god damn ladies' room?
2) If you've got a kid young enough to need company to the bathroom, you've got a kid young enough to be taken into your restroom, genders regardless. My mom took me into womens' restrooms to go to the bathroom. My uncle took his daughters to the mens' room. All of us are well-adjusted people who seem completely unaffected by the fact that we might have briefly glimpsed a set of opposing genitalia when we were five.
3) We already have disabled stalls in most, if not all, of the bathroom. Look, I was all about the ADA, but this shit is going too far. You've got your special shitters, now use 'em.
4) The number of transgender people on campus has got to be faaaaar too small to warrant even the slightest change in any plan or building. Besides, their choice to get surgery or wear the wrong clothes is purely voluntary and thus the consequnces of such choices are their problem.

8/31/2007 2:34:40 PM

i want to know why women have individual showers and dudes dont

8/31/2007 2:36:10 PM

Quote :

"At Arizona, students can choose restrooms based on perceived identity than biological gender"

wtf, seriously

8/31/2007 2:38:23 PM

^^^ right on.

It was their choice to have the surgery and wear the other sex's clothes. They have to live with that.

And to answer your question Grumpy, 2. 2 transgendered people out of last year's graduating class. We can multiply that by 4 to get the undergrad number of 8. We'll add in another 5 to compensate for everything else, and we're looking at revising plans and retrofitting bathrooms for 13 people.


I hate this fucking country sometimes for shit like this.


^ Yeah, it's no longer what's hangin, but "how you feel."

Well shit, I suppose I can go be a peeping Tom in a bathroom because today, I feel like a lady. I could probably sue if I got kicked out.


[Edited on August 31, 2007 at 2:40 PM. Reason : .]

8/31/2007 2:39:13 PM

i'm a lesbian trapped in a man's body dammit...LET ME LIVE MY LIFE

8/31/2007 2:41:47 PM

SET EM UP

8/31/2007 2:42:28 PM