Chicago Public Schools Removes Sex-Specific Restrooms to ‘Increase Gender Equity’
'We’re requiring all schools to adopt new signage'
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Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is requiring schools to adopt new signage in order to make restrooms gender-neutral.
The initiative, which has been described as "big step forward for gender equity," requires schools to display language outside of restrooms to inform students they may use the restroom that aligns with their gender identity.
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CPS wrote in a tweet announcing the change:
"We’re requiring all schools to adopt new signage to make our restrooms more inclusive," CPS wrote in a tweet announcing the change.
"This is a big step forward for gender equity for our students and staff."
ICYMI: We’re requiring all schools to adopt new signage to make our restrooms more inclusive. This is a big step forward for gender equity for our students and staff. pic.twitter.com/4JPBdd1jQy
— CPS - Chicago Public Schools (@ChiPubSchools) November 30, 2021
The move also impacts staff.
CPS Title IX Officer Camie Pratt said of the change in a video shared to social media:
"All CPS students and staff will have fair and equitable access to bathroom facilities that align with their gender identity."
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Pratt said the signage would "make it clear that all restrooms are open for use by anyone who feels comfortable."
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She states the move is a step to "increase gender equity for all."
One example of signage that will be displayed at schools reads:
"This is a gender-neutral restroom with multiple stalls."
"It is open to users of any gender identity or expression."
Pratt said the CPS Office of Student Protections and Title IX is "working on a long-term plan" to make the signage permanent.
