Michigan State University Adjusts Co-ed Bathroom Policy

Michigan State University has made some changes regarding its co-ed bathroom policy in honors residence halls, responding to complaints from both students and parents about discomfort with the previous arrangement.

Recently, signs were put up at Campbell Hall to designate some restrooms by gender. This decision came after formal complaints and a survey highlighted residents’ concerns about the extensive renovation costing $37.1 million, which aimed to convert all 20 bathrooms into unisex facilities.

It appears that parents were not notified in advance about the plans to remove gender segregation in restrooms, which led at least one student to look for other options, as suggested in a letter from a parent.

Student Feedback Influences Change

The facility was initially the first of its kind among the university’s 27 dormitories to include unisex communal restrooms. MSU’s rationale for this change was to better accommodate future shifts in the student population.

According to MSU spokesperson Kat Cooper, “After reviewing survey data, the decision was made to offer students the option.”

The honors residence hall is four stories tall, featuring 20 shared bathrooms and five single-occupancy restrooms. However, it’s still uncertain how many of the communal restrooms will remain unisex versus those designated for men or women.

In an update to Campbell Hall residents, officials mentioned plans to configure restrooms according to the gender makeup of the residents on the first and second floors. There will be two communal restrooms on the first floor and designated men’s and women’s spaces on the second and third floors, which will house eight communal restrooms and single-use options.

“We wanted to avoid having to move rooms as part of these changes,” the message stated, aiming to make life more comfortable and provide residents with more choices.

A few members of the MSU Board of Governors commented that responding to feedback from students and parents was indeed the right move by the university.

Board member Mike Barrow expressed his satisfaction, stating, “I’m glad the university is listening to students’ concerns.” He emphasized the importance of comfort and having options for students. Another board member, Dennis Denno, shared his thoughts, adding that this was the right direction for the university.