Restroom Politics

Presenter Information

Brad Freihoefer, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Location

CSU 202

Start Date

21-4-2008 1:00 PM

End Date

21-4-2008 2:30 PM

Student's Major

Gender and Women's Studies

Student's College

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Mentor's Name

Cheryl Radeloff

Mentor's Department

Gender and Women's Studies

Mentor's College

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Description

The structure of gender segregated restrooms on college campuses is rarely questioned by students, faculty, or staff. Feminist discourse surrounding issues of violence against women often collides with transgender rights and the concept of gender neutrality. While at the same time related lines of feminist thought also support needs of family and personal assistants for gender neutral spaces. This research indicates that students would support gender neutral restrooms when the objective is a gender neutral restroom that primarily addresses the needs of the family and personal assistants rather than trans gender rights. Through a campus wide survey, this research examined attitudes of Minnesota State University, Mankato students regarding gender segregation in campus restrooms. The survey consisted of open and closed ended questions in which students expressed their concerns, comprehension of, and comfort levels with the possibility of gender neutral restrooms on campus.