College of DuPage opens 1st gender-neutral bathrooms

GLEN ELLYN, Ill. (AP) — The College of DuPage in suburban Chicago has opened its first gender-neutral bathrooms after years of petitioning.

The single-stall bathrooms are meant to help students of all genders and gender identities feel more comfortable. Rather than being marked with a silhouetted man or woman, the gender-neutral bathrooms are designated with the image of a toilet.

The bathrooms are at the college’s Health and Science Center, the Physical Education Center and Chaparral Fitness center. The Chicago Tribune reports more are planned.

Earl Dowling, vice president of student affairs, says converting the current gender-neutral bathrooms was relatively simple, with new signage being the only cost. He says the process can be complex depending on the level of remodeling.

Transgender student Sara Smollen says having the new bathrooms “definitely makes a difference.”

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