It’s a change being welcomed by students and staff at three Macewan University campuses in Edmonton – a change that saw the signs on single-unit restrooms changed from ‘unisex’ to gender-neutral.
“It’s a small step in a big conversation about making this campus more inclusive for our students,” Macewan Students’ Association President Cameron McCoy said.
Officials said the change is part of an initiative to make Macewan University more inclusive.
“We believe this is a great change because what it does is it recognizes the diversity of our students, staff and faculty population,” Cathryn Heslep with Macewan University said.
The changes were made Friday morning, but it took some time for some students to notice – once they did, most saw it as a positive step.
“It involves everybody, not just male, female, unisex, now it’s all gender, everybody can use the bathroom without feeling judged,” Student Karena Mallett said.
Heslep said officials sought input before adopting the change.
“For me personally, I’m a transgender woman and it is my legal right to use the washroom that is of the gender that I identify as,” Marni Panas said.
Panas helped officials as they moved towards the change. Panas said the change is not just a sign.
“Other people make not feel comfortable that they belong in the binary of male, of female,” Panas said.
“It sends a clear message by this school that all are welcome here.”
With files from Susan Amerongen
