Flushing Inequality: The Case for Gender Neutral Bathrooms on Campus

Written by Amanda Pisciotta

Edited by Janie Chan

Introduction

Gender-neutral bathrooms on campus are not merely a convenience—they are a fundamental issue of equity and inclusivity. At Hunter College, with a student body of 22,879 students enrolled in the 2023-2024 academic year and representing a wide range of diversity, the availability of such facilities is shockingly inadequate[1]. There are only two single-stall gender-neutral bathrooms, both located in the least accessible building on campus[2]. This glaring oversight disregards the needs of many students, faculty, and staff. Gender-neutral bathrooms do not take away from existing facilities or resources but instead provide an essential option that addresses the needs of a group often overlooked in campus planning. This post delves into why these bathrooms are essential—not only from an ethical standpoint but also from medical and educational perspectives. It is a call to action for a more inclusive campus, advocating for the addition of more gender-neutral bathrooms to foster equity and support for all members of the community.

The Ethical Case for Gender-Neutral Bathrooms

Inclusion and Respect:

At the heart of the debate over gender-neutral bathrooms lies a fundamental ethical principle: respect for all students. Providing gender-neutral spaces acknowledges the fluidity of gender and affirms the diverse identities of those who call our campus home. These individuals are just as deserving of inclusion and respect as their peers.

Some may argue that gender-neutral bathrooms are unnecessary or that they “take away” spaces–already functioning bathrooms–from heteronormative groups and the rest of the campus. However, this perception is flawed. Gender-neutral bathrooms are available to everyone—non-binary, transgender, and cisgender individuals alike. The real issue is the inadequate number of these facilities. With only two single-stall gender-neutral bathrooms on campus, both in inconvenient and inaccessible locations, students who rely on these spaces are placed at a significant disadvantage. Often, these bathrooms are locked or occupied by those who have alternative options, compounding the problem[3]. This ongoing issue has been raised with administrators numerous times, yet no meaningful changes have been made[3].

We must challenge the false narrative that these bathrooms are “taking away” resources. Instead, they expand access and create a more inclusive environment for those who may not feel comfortable in traditional gendered restrooms. These bathrooms are intended to be safe spaces for everyone—not just for gender-diverse individuals, but for anyone seeking privacy. Ignoring the needs of our gender-diverse peers under the guise of “space limitations” perpetuates harm where none is necessary. Gender-neutral bathrooms are not a loss; they are an expansion of inclusion, respect, and equity for all.

Privacy and Autonomy:

Everyone deserves the right to make decisions about their personal space without fear of judgment or discrimination. Gender-neutral bathrooms provide that opportunity, allowing all students—including those who are transgender or non-binary—to use facilities without experiencing discomfort or prejudice.

The lack of accessible gender-neutral bathrooms on campus forces some students to make impossible choices. One student shared their experience:

“I define myself as in between gender fluid and a trans-woman. Once, a female student went as far as reporting me, claiming I was in the wrong bathroom, then calling a security officer. ‘There’s a man in the bathroom,’ I overheard the student saying” (4).

Stories like this illustrate the real harm caused by the lack of gender-neutral spaces. Students are forced to choose between their safety and their identity—a choice no one should have to make in 2025.

By ensuring that every building on campus includes accessible gender-neutral bathrooms, we can eliminate this harmful dilemma. These spaces honor individual autonomy, allowing students to decide what feels right for them without jeopardizing their health or safety. Gender-neutral bathrooms were created to provide a safe and affirming environment for everyone, and it is our responsibility as a campus community to ensure that they are widely available to meet the needs of all students.

The Medical and Psychological Importance

Mental Health and Safety:

For students who don’t identify strictly with the gender binary, the lack of accessible and inclusive restrooms can significantly impact their mental health. Searching for an appropriate restroom often brings stress, fear, and discomfort. Unfortunately, many gender-fluid and gender-diverse individuals have faced verbal, physical, or even sexual harassment in spaces like public restrooms, where societal expectations around gender are rigidly enforced[5]. While we’d like to believe such incidents don’t occur on our campus, it’s likely that similar experiences have taken place. By failing to provide enough gender-neutral bathrooms, we inadvertently perpetuate these risks and make the lack of inclusivity more apparent. This lack of access exacerbates feelings of anxiety, dysphoria, and discomfort for many gender-diverse students, forcing them to navigate situations that threaten their sense of safety and belonging[5]. It also increases feelings of alienation and exclusion, which are well-known risk factors for mental health challenges, such as depression and anxiety disorders[5]. These concerns aren’t abstract—they are lived experiences that can directly affect a student’s ability to thrive both academically and personally.

Physical Health Concerns:

The absence of accessible gender-neutral bathrooms doesn’t just pose mental health risks; it also creates physical health challenges. Students who lack access to safe and affirming restrooms may be forced to hold their bladder or travel long distances across campus just to find a restroom they feel comfortable using. This can lead to serious health issues, including urinary tract infections, dehydration, and other preventable conditions [6].

The issue is not one of convenience or preference—it’s a matter of meeting students’ basic physiological and physical needs. Denying individuals access to safe restrooms puts their health and well-being at risk, compromising both their dignity and their ability to fully participate in campus life.

The Educational Impact

Disruption to Education:

A student’s ability to focus on their studies should never be compromised by something as fundamental as access to a restroom. Yet, the lack of accessible gender-neutral bathrooms at Hunter College forces many gender-diverse students to navigate significant challenges. For students who are gender non-conforming, the need to walk across campus—often in the middle of class or study sessions—to find a suitable restroom is a reality. This is an unacceptable burden placed on our sexuality and gender-diverse (SGD) students due to the insufficient number and poor placement of gender-neutral bathrooms on campus.

Most SGD students are unaware these bathrooms even exist, and those who do often find them locked or occupied. The two single-stall gender-neutral bathrooms on campus are located on the 2nd floor of the North Building—a notoriously inconvenient and inaccessible location. This building is not connected to the rest of the campus, requiring students to navigate through other buildings to reach it. For students with mobility challenges, the situation is even worse. The elevators needed to access the 2nd floor are notoriously unreliable, with wait times ranging from 15 to 30 minutes. Add to this the time it takes to traverse the campus, and it becomes clear how impractical and disruptive this arrangement is.

This unnecessary struggle leads to missed lectures, reduced class participation, and constant mental distraction as students worry about when and where they can safely use the restroom. By failing to address this issue, we are not only neglecting the well-being of our gender-diverse students but directly impacting their academic performance. As an institution of higher learning, Hunter College should prioritize the success of all its students equally. Ensuring equitable access to restrooms is a small yet crucial step toward fostering an environment where every student can thrive academically.

The Path Forward: Why We Need More Gender-Neutral Bathrooms

A Call for Action:

As a campus community, we must prioritize inclusivity and the well-being of all students. Expanding the availability of gender-neutral bathrooms is not just a matter of convenience—it’s an essential step toward creating an environment where every student can learn, grow, and thrive without facing unnecessary barriers. By taking action, we affirm our commitment to equality and demonstrate that the needs of all students are valued.

A More Inclusive Future:

As society increasingly acknowledges that gender is a fluid concept, access to appropriate facilities should no longer be viewed as a privilege but as a fundamental right. Expanding the number of gender-neutral bathrooms would alleviate both the physical and emotional burdens faced by our gender-diverse peers. These facilities not only address immediate needs but also promote equity and foster a campus environment that embraces diversity. Gender-neutral bathrooms are inclusive for all individuals, unlike binary bathrooms that often exclude gender non-conforming students. By increasing the availability of these facilities, Hunter College can take a meaningful step toward a more equitable and welcoming future for everyone.

Proposed Plan:

A generally accepted best practice is to provide at least one gender-neutral bathroom per floor or major area in a building. This ensures that facilities are accessible to all occupants and promotes inclusivity. Unfortunately, Hunter College falls far short of this standard, especially given its large and growing student population of nearly 25,000. The current offering of just two single-stall gender-neutral bathrooms is woefully inadequate to meet the needs of such a diverse campus.

While it may be unrealistic to expect a gender-neutral bathroom on every floor, previous petitions have made it clear that gender-diverse students are not asking for the impossible—they are simply requesting more equitable access. A reasonable and impactful solution would be to add gender-neutral bathrooms to key hubs across campus, such as the 1st, 3rd, and 7th floors of the East, West, and North buildings. These areas are easily accessible via sky bridges, escalators, and elevators, making them convenient for all students. This plan would not only reduce the strain on existing facilities but also ensure that students are not deterred from their education, identity, or health due to a lack of access.

By implementing these changes, Hunter College can take a meaningful step toward creating a campus environment that supports and respects the needs of all its students. This is not just a logistical improvement—it is a necessary commitment to fostering inclusivity, equality, and well-being.

Conclusion

At its core, the question is simple: why not take steps toward building a more inclusive and supportive campus for all students? Gender-neutral bathrooms do not diminish anyone's experience—they simply expand access and provide necessary options for everyone. It’s time for our college to take meaningful action by creating spaces that respect and uphold the dignity, autonomy, and well-being of all students, regardless of their gender identity.

Sources

1. Hunter College. "About / Hunter College Facts and Statistics 2023–2024." Hunter College,https://hunter.cuny.edu/about/facts-and-statistics/#:~:text=22879,Graduate%20Debt%2DFree. Accessed 9 January 2025.

2. Hunter College. "Codes & Modes: The Character of Documentary Culture – Maps and Directions." Hunter College,https://ima-mfa.hunter.cuny.edu/codesandmodes/maps-and-directions/#:~:text=The%20only%20two%20gender%20neutral,of%20the%20Hunter%20North%20building. Accessed 9 January 2025.

3. Samisenough. "Any of You Guys Go to Hunter College in NYC?" Reddit, r/ftm, 8 years ago, https://www.reddit.com/r/ftm/comments/50pvut/any_of_you_guys_go_to_hunter_college_in_nyc/. Accessed 9 January 2025.

4. The Tab. "Why Hunter Needs More Gender-Neutral Bathrooms." The Tab, 8 June 2016, https://archive.thetab.com/us/cuny-hunter/2016/06/08/3133-3133. Accessed 9 January 2025.

5. Wang, Y., Liu, D., Han, M., Li, J., & Yu, H. (2024). Public Restroom Access and Mental Health Among Gender-Minoritized Individuals in China. JAMA Network Open, 7(5), e2410546. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.10546. PMID: 38700868; PMCID: PMC11069084. Accessed 9 January 2025. 

6. Francis, J., Sachan, P., Waters, Z., Trapp, G., Pearce, N., Burns, S., Lin, A., & Cross, D. (2022). Gender-Neutral Toilets: A Qualitative Exploration of Inclusive School Environments for Sexuality and Gender Diverse Youth in Western Australia. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(16), 10089. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191610089. PMID: 36011720; PMCID: PMC9407760. Accessed 9 January 2025.