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ASUNM wants to aid in the development of universal public restrooms for students, faculty and staff on campus.
In a meeting Wednesday, the senate unanimously passed Resolution 12S, in which ASUNM pledges its support for the development of universal restrooms on campus. Sen. Miquela Ortiz and Queer Voices Roundtable introduced the proposal.
This resolution is the third such effort, following resolutions passed in 2010 and 2012 supporting the development of universal bathrooms in the SUB. No action was taken on either resolution.
Frankie Flores, program assistant for the LGBTQ Resource Center, and Ortiz negotiated with the senate with regard to the language used in the proposal. The senators wanted to change ‘gender-neutral restrooms’ to ‘universal restrooms’ to avoid using exclusive language that might imply the bathroom switch was only to benefit transgendered individuals to the exclusion of other groups such as people with disabilities and families.
“In saying ‘universal bathrooms,’ we’re trying to universalize that access,” Sen. Earl Shank said. “That way it’s not saying these bathrooms are for the specific group of people, it’s for everyone. If we were dealing with equality, we wouldn’t say ‘let’s make it better for them,’ we would say ‘let’s make it better for everyone.’”
Ortiz said she objected, at first, to the word “universal” being used because she wanted to consult with the student organization she was representing.
“The only reason why we weren’t going to accept it was because we hadn’t seen the changes prior … I was speaking on behalf of a student group, so I wanted to check with them,” Ortiz said. “I would say that ‘universal’ is more simplified, which is a wiser decision.”
Flores agreed to accept the term “universal,” but maintained that “gender-neutral” is more appropriate.
“My concern with the changing of the language was that we weren’t inclusive of gender-neutral individuals, so I wanted to make sure that we kept that in there,” Flores said. “I’m happy with the decision.”
The proposal says such universal bathrooms should be accessible to everyone. However, Rentz Ankrom, a senior business administration major and a transgendered student, said some campus restrooms already provide similar services.
“Early on in my transition, I would use the bathrooms in Mitchell Hall,” Ankrom said. “I’m almost fully transitioned, but there are some people who don’t want to go that far. There’s a spectrum of gender that I think people don’t realize, and creating a universally safe space where everyone can take advantage of that is what’s important.”
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Ankrom said she understands Flores’ position on wanting to keep the word “neutral” in the proposal, but it’s important to focus on more immediate matters first.
“I don’t know if removing ‘gender’ needs to be the focus; it’s about actually creating a safe space for the individual that’s going into the bathroom,” Ankrom said. “I know from personal experience, it used to be very intimidating.”
Ankrom said she has been at the University since 2010 and has not experienced discrimination on campus, due to the University’s efforts in promoting equality.
“I am definitely thankful that UNM is staying ahead of the curve of the college current issues and not just focusing on maintaining their academic status,” Ankrom said. “Socio-cultural things like this are very important to people.”
