Construction continues on the new gender-neutral family restroom in Allyn Hall, which is set to open in July.
Wright State Student Government and Disability Services worked in conjunction to create a restroom with a goal of easy use and access.
Designed to accommodate for everyone on campus, the new restroom will host a diaper changing station for parents and an automated chairlift for disabled students. The adjoining area will also have an ATM machine with Wright-1 Card access and vending machines for students near The Hanger.
“It’s a great example of students sharing an idea that moves forward to improve things around Wright State,” said Assistant Director of Disability Services, Jean Denney. “A complaint doesn’t always fall on idle ears.”
Many students agree that it's a great idea to have restrooms like this on campus, due to the fact that a lot of Wright State students are parents and need a place to take their children. Students thought it would be a great idea for some of the transgender students on campus as well.
"It's less discrimating," said accounting major Alex Bianchi. "It's a great idea because it breaks down the gender barrier."
However, some students thought unisex restrooms might put women at risk for harrassment or assault, or that children shouldn't be on campus in the first place. Some thought that accommodating restrooms shouldn't be made in general.
Executives are hoping to install more gender-neutral restrooms with lifts in new buildings that will be built on campus. The new restroom began construction earlier this year, and is slated to be ready for use in the fall.
