Over winter break, Iona College designated various restrooms across campus as all-gender or gender-inclusive restrooms.

A gender-inclusive restroom does not specify itself as being strictly for men or for women, but rather allows for an individual of any gender identity to use the restroom comfortably.

The bathrooms were set up as part of the ongoing Unity Project, which included the Unity Lounge and last semester’s #SpeakUpIona series. The decision was part of a collaborative effort between the college and the student body, Justin Henry, chair for Multiculturalism of SLAM said in an email.

“Although we weren’t in control of the changes, we were able to add our input and be a part of the process,” Henry said in an email.

In regards to the impact this decision has on inclusivity and on the Iona campus community, Henry was also positive.

“It was definitely a major step,” Henry said. “In order for inclusion to come about everyone must feel included and everyone must feel welcomed and I appreciate Iona for coming together as a community to create that environment. It’s great to see the Iona community keeping up with society as it moves at a rapid pace.”

Denise Hopkins, vice provost for Student Life said that the gender inclusive bathrooms were part of the continuing Unity Project.

“Iona College acknowledges the inherent dignity of each individual in the Iona community,” Hopkins said. “We are enriched by our diversity and sustained by civility and mutual respect. Iona’s Statement on Diversity explicitly includes gender identity/ expression as we strive to make our campus safe, affirming, and inclusive for all students, staff, faculty.”

Students across campus have varying opinions on the matter.

“I don’t have particularly strong feelings either way,” freshman Timothy Strowbridge said. “I don’t think it will have a widely massive impact on the community. However, it might minutely alter the general mindset of the population in a more unified way. It can also make things easier for people who find themselves in special cases, such as transgender people.”

Meaghan Fox, a sophomore, felt positive about the recent change.

“I think the gender inclusive bathrooms are a great step for the college as a whole,” Fox said, “I think it will make the community feel safer and more included.”

Freshman Cassidy Mahoney had a mixed opinion.

“I think it was a good move on Iona’s part, but I wouldn’t say they were all allocated well,” Mahoney said. “Iona put a sign that said ‘All Gender Restroom’ in front bathrooms that were already there, which are not always in prime locations. Single bathrooms should always be neutral – no one else is going to be in there with you anyway, so it’s practical as well as inclusive.”

James Shopraugh, a freshman who is trans, was supportive of the installation.

“I am so exited that there are gender neutral bathrooms on campus now, and I hope that more are in the works,” he said. “Adding gender neutral bathrooms may seem like a small change, but it can make a huge difference to a transgender student, such as myself. Gender segregated bathrooms create uncomfortable and potentially dangerous situations for transgender students. Many [transgender] students are harassed in both women’s and men’s bathrooms. Due to this large portions of transgender students avoid using the bathroom at school. This not only creates inconvenience but can cause health problems. By adding gender neutral bathrooms to the residence halls, transgender students will be healthier, psychologically as well as physically.”

Hopkins said that the bathrooms would be important beyond the LGBTQIA+ community

“Gender-neutral bathrooms are not only for trans individuals—they are for everyone,” Hopkins said. “For example, disabled individuals or parents of young or special-needs children of an opposite gender frequently cannot access comfortable restroom options. I hope that the Iona community continues to unite in support of building strong, inclusive communities free from discrimination and harassment.”

Kelvin Najarro, senior and president of Gael Pride said that while Gael Pride was not involved in the set up of the bathrooms, it was a move they supported.

“The gender neutral bathrooms throughout the Iona College campus are definitely a great effort in promoting inclusivity,” Najarro said. “These gender neutral bathrooms will allow members of the LGBTQ+ community on campus to feel more comfortable, more specifically those who may be gender non-conforming.”

Henry and Najarro expressed their optimism for other inclusive accommodations that could be made in the future.

“Iona is on the up and up and I know that there’s greatness in store,” Henry said. “We’re moving the world, we’re changing the world, and we’re creating an inclusive environment.”

“Looking forward I am most definitely optimistic towards Iona’s efforts in making our campus more inclusive,” Najarro said. “Not only for the LGBTQ+ community but for all other communities on campus as well. We’re no where near the ultimate goal of inclusivity for our LGBTQ+ population on campus but this is definitely a great stepping stone in that direction.”

Shopraugh is among those hoping for more steps.

“It’s important that all students feel safe and comfortable on campus, and these new bathrooms should help with that,” Shopraugh said. “Personally, I still use the women’s restrooms on campus because of my fears on being ridiculed and harmed. It’s great that there are a few bathrooms that myself and other transgender students can use, however they are not very convenient because they are not in the middle of campus, and I might as well just use the bathroom in my dorm. This sounds awful cynical, but the truth is that we need more gender neutral bathrooms. Adding a few to the residence halls is nice, but in order to truly create a change more has to be done.”