Vanier College Unveils New Gender Neutral Washrooms on Campus

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Vanier College is pleased to announce that Gender Neutral Washrooms - facilities that anyone can use - are now available on campus! In all, a total of 15 Gender Neutral Washrooms are available in all Vanier buildings and more will be added in the future. These renovations are also important because they will meet other user medical needs and provide greater access and ease of movement to members of the Vanier community with reduced mobility.

A gender neutral washroom is a safe space for people of all genders and are needed because transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming members of our community have the right to feel safe using the washroom. Unfortunately, people who do not conform to the 'look' of a specific gender are at risk of harassment and violence in gendered washrooms.

“I am very proud to unveil these new Gender Neutral Washrooms. Vanier College has always been known for its spirit of openness and tolerance and I feel that adding these new washrooms is important. From now on any member of the Vanier community, both students and staff, can use these facilities and feel secure regardless of their gender expression or gender identity,” said Normand W. Bernier, Director General of Vanier College.

According to the Gender Neutral Washrooms Working Group, using a bathroom is a right that everyone has. No one should feel unsafe in these places and no one should have to spend a school or work day not being able to use a safe bathroom. As well, there are health effects to not being able to easily access facilities.

Over the years, many members of the Vanier community have worked to ensure that Gender Neutral Washrooms would come to fruition. Members of the Open Door Network, U.M.B.R.E.L.L.A., Women’s Studies, Student Services, the Respectful Learning and Workplace Environment Office (formerly the Human Rights Office), as well as alumni came together to assess community needs, audit all washrooms on campus, and meet with members of the administration to make sure everyone in our community would have safe access to washrooms on campus.

With the support of the Director General, the Service and Maintenance Department manager, and Administrative Services, Vanier is proud to now have a number of Gender Neutral Washrooms on campus.

Locations of Gender Neutral Washrooms on Campus

Sports Complex: G-128A/G-128B (Washroom can also serve as a changing room.), G-225/ G-226, G-007

N-Building: N-154A/ N-154B; N-482/ N484 (N-482 public, N-484 staff only)

Main Building: A-559; C-203 Student Services (closes at 4:30); E-117/ E-119 (E-117 staff, E-119 public); F-222 (staff only)

H-Building: Office of Registrar: H-103 (closes at 4:30); H-215 (staff); H-214 (public)