Watch: Chicago Public Schools announces that all schools now have gender-inclusive signage outside the restrooms

Brett T. | 6:04 PM on December 02, 2021

It was way back in 2017 when Kassie Dillon happened upon the signs outside the restrooms at Hampshire College. There were no longer men’s or women’s restrooms, but “restrooms with urinals” and “restrooms without urinals.” Now Chicago Public Schools are proud to announce that as of Wednesday, all schools in the district, including elementary schools, will have new signage that describes the facilities inside the restroom. For example, a sign might read, “Men’s +: This restroom has both urinals and stalls. All who feel comfortable are welcome to use this restroom.” But where do you go if you’re, say, a woman who’s uncomfortable using a restroom knowing that men will be walking in if they’re comfortable?

Here’s the video rolling out the new signage, in case you missed it:

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

@ChiPubSchools Yes, we did miss it. How/when were parents engaged in this decision?

— Saying the Quiet Part Out Loud (@margeesha) December 1, 2021

Yup, the absolute biggest issue facing the Chicago public schools today.

— James L. (@jimlvail) November 30, 2021

pic.twitter.com/6cvM3BfKnQ

— Epjo54 (@epjo54) December 1, 2021

Boys using the girls bathroom. What could possibly go wrong?

— Aaron Mann (@BuickMuscle) December 2, 2021

School restrooms are a prime location for harrassment and bullying. I am concerned for female students’ safety and self-esteem. Parents need to weigh in before this goes district wide! Why not designate 1-2 gender neutral restrooms/school while keeping the rest gender specific?

— Andi V. (@AndiVinci1) December 1, 2021

As we learned in Loudon County, there’s more going on than harassment and bullying.