An Issue of Privacy
Equality is always on the minds of college administrators. Universities and colleges nationwide have been joining the “gender neutral train,” and incorporating gender-neutral bathrooms onto their campuses. I’ve heard through the grapevine that Drake may become the newest addition to this train. The bathrooms would accommodate the needs of transgender students—a way to encourage the acceptance of all students.
For all I know, it’s a rumor that hasn’t fully developed enough to motivate an uprising or promote implementation. Regardless, the idea of bathrooms being converted for the integration of males and females is extremely controversial.
The idea has good intentions, but there’s a certain line of privacy that shouldn’t be crossed. I personally wouldn’t feel comfortable taking showers when guys are in the bathroom at the same time. And what guy wants to see a girl’s used tampon applicator or pad in the stall trash bins? I also accept the fact that girls can be just as dirty as guys, but the mixture of the two would be like walking into a black hole of “what the…” and “I don’t even want to know…”
Granted, I’m not transgender, so I don’t know the emotional implications, but no one should be offended or, by any means, put back by someone using the bathroom designated for the gender that he or she classifies as.
This whole topic has made me think about how college campuses are frequently the breeding grounds for social change. Students are often able to see the world for what it could be and not what it is, and are therefore more innovative and accepting. In this sense, I believe it’s good that we make appropriate accommodations for positive and constructive change, but personal privacy is something we should always value.