Washrooms are a basic necessity - we all need a place to go, whether at work or on route to our next class. Given the current washroom set-up at KPU, some people do not have adequate access to washrooms. To address this, the Office of Equity and Inclusive Communities at KPU contracted TransFocus Consulting to conduct an assessment of transgender and non-binary (TNB) inclusion in washroom facilities across all five campuses.
Expanding the number of all-gender washrooms is one of the ways to further KPU’s dedication to gender and sexual equity and accessibility for all students, staff, and campus users. Our goal is to foster a campus environment that is inviting and inclusive, ensuring that no one is excluded from essential facilities.
TransFocus conducted four listening sessions among 18 KPU community members and a review of washroom facilities in 17 buildings on five campuses.
As of September 2024, 19% of washrooms are gender inclusive across all KPU campuses. KPU has set a goal to have 30% of washrooms be all-gender.
With the support of the report below from TransFocus, KPU will continue to transform washrooms across campus to make them more gender inclusive.
Click here to read the Inclusive Washroom Guidelines created for KPU.
FAQ's
Why is KPU making these changes?
Washrooms are a basic necessity. Given the current washroom set-up, some people do not have adequate access to washrooms. Given that one of KPU’s core values is inclusion, KPU is undertaking renovations to increase access.
When will the changes be happening?
They have already started. Washrooms will be updated on an ongoing basis with the goal to reach 30% of washrooms across KPU to be gender inclusive.
Where can I find information about the facilities being updated?
KPU Facilities team is working diligently to update all washrooms. A list of gender inclusive washrooms will be listed here and updated as areas are renovated.
Will there still be washrooms for both binary genders on campus?
Yes, 70% of washrooms will still be designated for women and men. However, all washrooms welcome people of all genders. Please remember that people know which washroom they need to use.
Feedback Form
Any questions, feedback, ideas? Fill out the anonymous form below to let us know what is going well, what needs to be improved, and if there are any safety concerns. You can also email us at oeic@kpu.ca.
Click here to provide feedback on washrooms at KPU.
Definitions
Gender-specific washrooms (i.e., women’s and men’s washrooms): This type of washroom has multiple stalls, communal sinks, and is designated for only one gender, meaning that women’s washrooms are only accessed by women and men’s washrooms are only accessed by men. These are washroom types that people are the most familiar with.
All-gender, multi-stall washroom - A washroom with multiple sinks a common sink area that is available to anyone no matter their gender. These are designed with additional safety and privacy measures.
Single-unit washroom (formerly referred to as “gender-neutral washroom”): This type of washroom is a self-contained room with its own sink and toilet that is available for use by any gender. This type can either be accessible for mobility devices or non-accessible.