YPA Applauds CSU Channel Islands

CSUCI is set to convert 15 restrooms to all-gender multiuse restroom facilities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 20, 2022

Contact: Cameron Bartosiewicz; outreach@ypapride.org

Youth Pride Association Applauds CSU Channel Island’s Planned Inclusive Bathrooms

CSUCI is set to convert 15 restrooms to all-gender multiuse restroom facilities.

Camarillo, CA (April 20th, 2022) – The Youth Pride Association applauds California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) for announcing plans to voluntarily convert 15 restrooms to all-gender multiuse restroom facilities. The plan calls for signage and privacy modifications to be completed over the summer to ensure all students feel safe and comfortable in the new all-gender restrooms. 


Previously, CSUCI only had seven all-gender restrooms. While this satisfied state regulations under Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, these restrooms did little to provide safe and accessible accommodations for transgender and nonbinary students on campus. Of the existing facilities, four of the current all-gender restrooms were completely inaccessible to students, with the other three only occupying two buildings on campus. 


“Many transgender and nonbinary students avoid the bathroom while at school, for fear of being confronted or even assaulted for simply using the bathroom. Some individuals have even resorted to refraining from eating or drinking to avoid needing to use the bathroom,” said Cameron Bartosiewicz, President at the Youth Pride Association. “To the best of my knowledge, this plan is the largest undertaking of its kind by any of the 23 campuses in the California State University System. These actions further demonstrate CSUCI’s continued commitment to ensuring inclusivity on campus for all students.”


These 15 all-gender restrooms have been chosen as they are accessible, high-traffic areas of the campus. These restrooms exceed state requirements and will undoubtedly increase restroom access for transgender and nonbinary students at CSUCI significantly. 


While some individuals may be concerned regarding the safety of these restrooms, countless studies have found that gender-inclusive restrooms have been linked to decreased rates of harassment and assault. Further, multiuse all-gender restrooms decrease wait times and have been found to be cleaner than gender-segregated facilities.  


About Youth Pride Association

The Youth Pride Association (YPA) is a national nonprofit organization working to promote and foster the acceptance of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) people in educational institutions. YPA works to address the adversities LGBTQ youth face in schools through education, support, and advocacy.

Youth Pride Association's President, Cameron Bartosiewicz, is available for interviews.

outreach@ypapride.org

(949) 755-7694

###