Source: http://media.www.pcccourier.com/media/s ... 2625.shtml
Jacqueline Lok
After a controversy, the Associated Students has changed the language of its previous 'gender-neutral' restrooms resolution to 'single-stalled restrooms."
Despite the new name, the resolution will still serve its original purpose, which was to provide restroom facilities for all PCC students, faculty, and visitors without adequate accommodation.
"Our motivation for the resolution was because we feel very strongly in support of the sentiment, but we feel that any decision should be representative of all the students," said Connor Lewis, vice president for academic affairs.
According to Student Trustee John Campo, the reason for a new resolution is to broaden the language. "Not everyone on the board was comfortable with the previous resolution, in the way it was worded, so we came up with a new one that better fits our ideas and is more comfortable for all of us," Campo said.
"We didn't change any of the fundamental ideas, it was more of the semantics that went along with it."
The resolution is not, however, welcomed by all.
AS Vice President of Public Relations, Marshall Roe, felt that the student body's voice was not being heard since a poll on the issue, was not conducted. "Polling on the issue is vital when it comes to the bathrooms," he said.
Roe also expressed concerns for the safety of the students in the new restrooms. Even though the restrooms are meant to be safe and accessible for those without proper accommodation, Roe questioned the ability to provide a safe restroom and if it would be achievable.
Campo said the idea was to get away from discrimination felt by some students. "They didn't feel comfortable, or they weren't physically able to go into those restrooms," said Campo.
The new restrooms will not be the only 'gender-neutral' restrooms at PCC. The Health Center has had a 'gender-neutral' restroom for about 10 years, which is, "located in the waiting area," said Adriana Salgado, a clerk at Student Health Services.
The new restrooms that were approved are located at, "the U building, the R building, and the new Center for the Arts," said Richard van Pelt, director of facilities services.
