Clarion University has designated all-gender restrooms in 11 buildings on the Clarion campus and in one building on the Venango campus. The facilities department identified buildings that had one-stall restroom facilities and converted those to all-gender restrooms.
The cost was minimal for those conversions; only locks and signs needed to be added, according to Amy Salsgiver, interim director of social equity.
"We started looking at all-gender facilities prior to the Obama administration's call for it to happen," Salsgiver said. "We saw a need on our campus, and we decided to address it prior to any guidance or mandate by federal or state law."
"Clarion University continues to be a leader in offering a campus climate that is a place where all students and employees can be successful," said President Karen Whitney. "This effort is one more example of Courageous, Confident, Caring Clarion."
Other all-gender facilities will be added as buildings are scheduled to be renovated.
Salsgiver noted that the all-gender restrooms are not specific to transgender people. She said they are an option for anyone wanting privacy or for a parent with a child.