All Gender Restroom FAQ

Q. What is an all-gender restroom?
A. An all-gender restroom is either a single stall or multi-stalled facility available to all individuals no matter how they identify.

Q. How do all-gender restrooms differ from other restrooms on campus?
A. All-gender restrooms may be used by anyone, as opposed to gendered restrooms that separate men and women. The all-gender restroom in Duncan Hall includes extra-private stalls, handicap-accessible facilities, and a changing table.

Q. How are family restrooms different than all-gender restrooms?
There is no difference; although, in some locales, signage may indicate “family restroom” instead of “all-gender.”

Q. Why are all-gender restrooms necessary?
A. All-gender restrooms allow a comfort level for individuals who prefer to use a facility that is not designated to a specific gender. An all-gender restroom also allows people of different genders – such as
parents and children, or students and their caretakers – to use the same restroom.

Q. Who can use the all-gender restrooms?
A. HCC's all-gender restrooms can be used by anyone, regardless of their gender identity or expression.

Q. Are all-gender restrooms safe?
A. There is also no evidence that all-gender restroom environments are different than gender specific restrooms when considering safety. As with any restroom on campus, suspicious or threatening activity is not tolerated and should be reported to Public Safety.

Q. Where are the all-gender restrooms located?
A. The Howard Community College website has a listing to indicate the locations of all-gender restrooms. https://www.howardcc.edu/student-life/safe-zone/

Q. What is HCC's policies regarding all-gender facilities?
A. Students, staff, faculty, and campus guests may use restrooms, locker rooms, and similarly-purposed facilities that correspond to their gender identity or expression, or that are designated all-gender. Students, staff, faculty, and campus guests should determine which options are most appropriate or safest for them.