E Book Adds Bathroom Gender Policy

In line with the Trustee Vision Statement on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Academy’s Non Discrimination Policy, Exeter has introduced a gender-inclusive policy on bathroom and locker room use which will apply to all students, staff members and guests.

The new bathroom and locker room use policy outlines the need for facilities to be safe, accessible, sanitary and comfortable. “People may use the restroom and/or locker room that they feel accords with their gender identity,” it reads. “Decisions about which bathroom or locker room is appropriate to use rest solely with the individual using the facility. No other person should interfere with or question that decision.”

The policy, announced by Assistant Principal Karen Lassey, is the result of discussions between the administration, faculty and student body. After students were made aware of the policy, Principal William Rawson sent a similar communication to parents. The policy is now in effect, and it will be added to the E Book in the coming days.

The policy expressly outlines bathroom expectations to be enforced. Under its definition of appropriate behavior, the Academy prioritizes privacy, respect and cleanliness. The policy includes the requirement that bathroom users “[appreciate] others’ need for modesty and avoiding prolonged nudity in common spaces.” In addition, users must refrain “from using phones, cameras or other devices that can be used to record or transfer images or audio.” Those concerned about violations to these requirements are encouraged by the policy to contact the appropriate administrators.

The announced changes further include a modification to the housing section of the E Book. “We have added language in the E Book updating the available housing options to include boys, girls and all gender dorms and clarifying the ways in which we make housing assignments, including allowing students to elect to live in dorms that best align with their gender identities,” Rawson said.

In his email, Rawson communicated that the policy was informed by the Trustees’ Vision Statement. “The trustees and I share a commitment to promoting a sense of belonging for every student and adult on this campus,” he said. “[The] Trustees issued a Vision Statement that makes explicit this commitment.”

Rawson further shared with parents that modifications to the current housing process are on the way. “We have created a housing questionnaire that we use with all new students, explaining the available housing options and our support for all students, including transgender and gender non-conforming students,” he said. “As in the past, current students may request dormitory changes for next year. The Dean of Students Office will be sharing information about that process very soon.”

Both Lassey and Rawson highlighted the fact that Facilities Management has prioritized the continued improvement of bathroom and locker spaces. “We … will continue to enhance our facilities to ensure all members of the community can access adequately private spaces in bathrooms and locker rooms,” Lassey said. “You will notice signs posted this week in those spaces that summarize the policy and expectations.”

This proposal was first brought before Student Council in the winter term. “We received helpful input in that venue and from adults on campus over the last few months,” Lassey noted.

Many students welcomed the changes. Senior Elliot Diaz said, “I certainly think it’s a sign of support from the administration that was necessary, especially with the recent bathroom bills from many states,” he said. “The fact that we’re able to put this in the E Book shows that the administration is willing to risk blowback for the safety and wellbeing of its students, which is a step forward.”

Prep Kiesse Nanor believes that the policy will recognize the differing needs of the student body. “It allows people who don’t identify with the gender they were assigned with at birth to express themselves in a way that is more comfortable for them,” Nanor said. “How much time do you actually spend in the bathroom? It’s just a place to do your business—not others’, yours. This just makes the system more equitable.”

Student Council President Ayush Noori agreed. “It is undoubtedly a step in the right direction to create a community where everyone is welcomed, respected and made to feel safe,” he said. “Student Council was grateful for the opportunity to provide our input in this indispensable policy.”

Despite the benefits of the policy, some students were concerned about its effectiveness. “I have friends who are non-binary, and they already use the bathroom that’s closest to them. This policy doesn’t really affect them. It’s not going to stop people from giving them dirty looks whenever they walk in just because the policy has changed,” upper Ari* said.

Senior Ollie Young noted that the policy changes come rather late as he is already more than comfortable using the mens bathroom after undergoing gender confirmation surgery. “If this policy had come out about a year ago, it definitely would have made me more comfortable using what is labeled as the mens bathroom,” Young said.

“You can’t have social change with simply ‘legal’ change … You can pass whatever policy you want, but that won’t affect internalized feelings,” Ari continued, elaborating that the administration should make other efforts to directly address transphobia and ensure all students feel safe and supported at the Academy. “I think this is a good first step, but there needs to be more education for people in regards to people who are transgender or gender non-conforming.”

In order to create a completely inclusive environment, upper Sam Park believed that the administration must also pass a gender neutral V’s policy. “I think the next step is to bring forth that ever elusive V’s policy that will abolish excluding people from dorms and visitations. All of our V’s are illegal according to the current policy because non binary people are not accounted for. A common joke is that we can get V’s anywhere but, depending on the faculty member on duty, the fact is that all of our V’s can be illegal.”

Nonetheless, upper Nani Esi Donkor voiced that the housing policy modifications were a good first step. “I’m glad that they’re seeking to further accommodate students in terms of housing and that they’re explicitly identifying that there are dorms available for students of all genders,” she said.

Similarly, Young felt very optimistic about the policy change and hopes that gender non-conforming Exonians will feel more empowered. “I think it’s nice to have a school-sanctioned reminder that you don’t question people when they’re trying to use the bathroom,” Young said. “I really hope that people will follow that and understand that it’s not time to start a fight or question someone’s decision.”

Upper Pepper Pieroni commended the school’s progress towards inclusivity. “This is a huge win. We haven’t been able to get a V’s policy. We’ve got all gender dorms, but even with that we’ve had to jump through a lot of hoops. This is huge for Exeter, and I’m proud of the community,” he said.

*Asterisks denote name change to preserve anonymity