About the Project

Q: What is the Washroom Inclusivity Project? A: The Washroom Inclusivity Project, or WIP, is an official U of T effort created to provide clear and updated information about the range of U of T's current washroom facilities and to foster a safer and more inclusive campus community. The project will address four specific areas of interest: physical accessibility, single-user washrooms for broader gender inclusivity, baby changing stations and footbaths for Muslim students who wash before prayer. Q: Who is involved in the project? A: The project involves a unique collaboration of staff and students across four Equity Offices . The student internswere hired to work together with staff in all aspects of the project. The offices involved include: The Sexual & Gender Diversity Office, Multi-Faith Centre, Accessibility Services, Family Care Office and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Office (AODA), in collaboration with Facilities & Services and Property Management. Q: Why are inclusivity issues relevant to washroom usage? A: Different people may have very different needs when it comes to using washrooms, and we want to make sure everyone is welcome and has access to the facilities they need. For specific reasons why these issues are important for different users, check out the  rest of our FAQs: link to family care issue, link to footbath issues, link to trans issues, link to accessibility issues. Q: When is the Washroom Inclusivity Project starting? A: It already has! You can find posters raising the issue of washroom equity everywhere on campus. We are now looking for volunteers to help us map out washrooms on the St. George campus. The inventory will take place on March 6 and March 7, and training will be held in advance, on February 27 and February 28, as well as on the same day as the inventory. Click here to apply to join us! Q: What is the Inventory Day? A: Inventory Day, being held on March 6 and March 7,  is the day when volunteers will gather to learn more about equity and inclusivity issues and then venture out on campus to take stock of the facilities available on campus, including: singe user and gender neutral options, facilities to wash before prayer, accessibility features and baby change stations. But that isn’t all. There will be great prizes, so you can have fun while mapping the way for more inclusivity on campus. Training will begin a week in advance or on the morning of the inventory. Q: How can I help? A: There are many ways to help. You can attend the Inventory Day event to help us map out washroom inclusivity features across the St. George campus . Click here to apply to join us! You can also help by becoming more informed about these issues, by attending a training session, following our blog, Facebook, or Twitter pages .  You can also help by fostering a climate of inclusivity on campus, respecting people’s choices when it comes to washroom usage and spreading the word. Q: Why should I become involved? A: Primarily because by doing so you are directly contributing to making U of T a place where people with diverse needs are all welcome. And if that’s not enough, we will be giving away great prizes on Inventory Day (link to what is inventory day question). Family Responsibilities Q: Why do parents need special washrooms? A: Student parents, as well as faculty and staff with children, may have different needs depending on the age of their kids. For parents of infants and toddlers, having baby changing stations in the washroomscreates an easy to use space for parents to change their child.. For parents of slightly older children, single stall gender neutral washrooms can be very useful when accompanying a child of the opposite gender to the washroom. When on campus, parents (as well as everyone else!) have the right to choose which washroom to use to best fit their needs. Family-friendly washrooms with baby changing stations give parents more options and sends the signal that they are welcome on campus. Q: Are there parents on campus? I never see babies or kids around here. A: U of T has many student parents, from the undergraduate to the PhD level; as well as staff and faculty parents. While this group is a minority of the entire campus population, it is important to create an environment that welcomes student parents and let them know they are a valued group within the university. Providing baby changing stations is one way to let parents know that they are welcome at U of T. Q: Speaking of parents and washrooms, shouldn’t moms be breastfeeding in the washrooms? A: Mothers have many options as to where to breastfeed their babies. You may have seen the "Breastfeeding Anytime Anywhere" signs around the city, which are a reminder that parents are welcome to breastfeed wherever they choose to.  Washrooms, however, are generally not a suitable space for mothers to breastfeed their babies or pump milk.  Some mothers prefer some privacy and breastfeeding spaces on campus are a great option. Having breastfeeding spaces on campus is another way in which we can show that U of T is a family-friendly campus.  For a list of private or semi-private, quiet and comfortable breastfeeding spaces on campus, please contact the Family Care Office. Gender Diversity Q: What is the difference between cisgender and transgender? A: A cisgender person is someone whose gender, body and identity match the one assigned to them at birth. A transgender person is someone whose gender does not match, or only partially matches the one that was assigned to them at birth. They may describe a life experience which includes existing in more than one gender, as being on a gender spectrum, or they may identify according to a gender or sex binary (i.e. masculine or feminine, male or female). Transgender (or trans) is an umbrella term to refer to transgender, transsexual, gender queer, etc. identities. Q: Why is washroom access an important issue for transgender people? A: Washroom access is important to everyone, but transgender people face a particular set of problems which can be summarized in the following three categories: safety, equity and dignity. Safety – Transgender people are frequently assaulted or fear assault in binary gendered washrooms (i.e. men's and women's washrooms). Ensuring safe spaces for everyone to go to the washroom requires both gender neutral facilities and an explicit policy which supports transgender people's right to determine for themselves which washroom to use. Equity – Some transgender people are unwilling or unable to use gendered washrooms. This creates an inequitable environment in which cisgender people can use washrooms easily, while transgender people may be prevented from or unable to use the facilities, or they may be greatly inconvenienced trying to access them. Dignity – To be singled out as different through restrictions on washroom use undermines the identities of trans people. This may happen when a person is forced to choose between two options that do not work for them, or it may be when a person is denied access to the appropriate washroom and forced into either the washroom of the opposite gender or a gender neutral facility. Q: Why might transgender people feel unsafe using gendered washrooms? A: The threat of assault (sexual and/or physical) or harassment by other washroom users is an ever-present reality for transgender people. Both are frequent and often reported in North American media.   Additionally, transgender people may also feel unsafe because their right to use the facility can be challenged at any time, if this happens they may have no way to prove that they are in the correct space.  This can result in ejection from the washroom or the venue that the washroom is in, as well as public ridicule and shame associated with having their gender identity publicly questioned. Q: There is persistent concern that allowing transgender people to use the washroom of their choice will be used by men as an opportunity to enter women's washrooms as either voyeurs or to commit sexual assault. Is this concern justified? A: Allowing transgender people the right to choose which washroom to use does not lead to illegal activities such as voyeurism or assault and is not permission for cisgender men to enter women's spaces. The concern should be to make things safe for those that are actually at risk rather than indulging misplaced and misinformed ideas about transgender people which equate them with rapists and other predators. Illegal activities in washrooms are about actions and behaviors, not about people's identities. Q: Why are single-user washrooms not a complete solution to transgender washroom issues? A: Single-user washrooms are very important for some people to feel comfortable and safe. They are definitely part of the solution. However, transgender people should not be required or encouraged to only use single-user washrooms. For some people, being told to use a gender neutral washroom undermines their gender identity. All people (cis and trans) should have the right to use the washroom that best suits their identity. Q: What do I do if I feel someone is in the wrong gendered space? A: Nothing. It is not up to you to police a person's gender. Transgender people are the best at knowing for themselves which washroom they should be using. MultiFaith Q: Why would it be an accessibility issue for Muslims to have footbaths or Ablution facilities? A: Without adequate footbaths or facilities, Muslim students performing their ablution can make puddles of water on the floor. This poses a safety threat to them and the community. Q: Why do Muslims wash their arms, faces and feet in the washrooms? A: Muslims need to perform the "wudu" which is the act of Ablution. The act symbolizes a serenity and cleanliness that needs to be found before praying and meditating Q: Can’t Muslim students perform their Ablution at home and come to school after? A: Yes, however the ablution is broken by mundane consistent acts such as using the washroom, passing gas or having any sort of cut. This means that Muslim students may need to perform their ablution at any point throughout the day. Q: How do Muslims feel about practicing this part of their faith in the campus community? A: Muslim students are very grateful and feel at home with many of the accommodations provided at the University . However, there is sometimes a lack of knowledge amongst non-Muslim students which can inadvertently lead to discrimination. Through a better understanding of Muslim practices, we hope to create a more inclusive and welcoming campus environment. Q: Are Muslim students being favoured over other faith groups in this project with regards to accommodations? A: According to section 1.3 in the University of Toronto's statement on equity, diversity and excellence, the university may make available reasonable religious accommodation for its students. The Muslim students on campus have come forward with a need, and as a faith group the Multi-Faith centre is representing their needs. Accessibility Services Q: What do accessible washrooms include? A: Persons with physical and mobility disabilities require the use of equipped washrooms that provide a safe and comfortable space. There are several characteristics that accessible washrooms must meet, such as:  visible signage that indicates it is an accessible washroom; a wide entrance and sufficient space for people on wheelchairs/scooters to easily move around; an automatic door opener; grab bars near the toilet; a coat hook; accessible sinks that permit people to safely wash their hands and access the soap dispenser and paper towels/hand dryers. Q: How do I know if a washroom is accessible? A: An accessible washroom should be clearly identified by appropriate signage. This should include the international accessibility symbol, be tactile/Braille, and be of a contrasting colour (e.g. blue background with a white colour symbol). Signs should be placed outside of the accessible washroom and be mounted for all people to see. Q: How many accessible washrooms are available on the U of T St. George campus? A: Currently there are 62 single user accessible washrooms listed at the St. George campus. You can find the list of these washrooms on the following webpage: http://map.utoronto.ca/access/washrooms During the current audit our goal is to expand this list and identify any additional single user accessible washrooms and include accessible washrooms in multi-stall facilities. Q: Whose responsibility is it to provide accessible washrooms on campus? A: The duty to accommodate persons with disabilities is mentioned in detail in Ontario’s Human Rights Code. Full integration is recognized as a human right, and in order for someone to achieve their full potential at this University there must be minimal barriers in place to accomplish that.  For full details visit the Ontario Human Rights Code website: http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90h19_e.htm The University of Toronto complies with the Ontario’s Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. The University of Toronto's Statement of Commitment to Persons with Disabilities states: The University will work to eliminate or minimize the adverse effects of barriers, including physical, environmental, attitudinal, communication and technological barriers, that may prevent the full participation of individuals with disabilities in the University community. The University will provide the members of its community with opportunities for education and access to information regarding disability and the University's policies on disability. Have a question that' s not answered here? Email us at:washroom.project@utoronto.ca