Universities Expand All-Gender Facilities Amid Transgender Debate

WASHINGTON — A recent study revealed that twelve prominent universities, including New York’s Columbia University, are increasing the number of all-gender facilities on campus. This development comes amidst an ongoing discussion regarding transgender issues, as identified by a conservative advocacy group.

Critical Race Training in Education, a branch of the nonprofit Legal Insurrection, cautioned that the all-gender label could allow anyone, irrespective of biological sex, access to private spaces like bathrooms and locker rooms.

Kemberly Kaye, editor-in-chief of CriticalRace.org, expressed concerns, stating, “Our research keeps exposing the corruption and capture of higher education institutions.” She added that these environments no longer foster healthy discussions or provide intellectual safety. Rather, they could become hostile settings, jeopardizing the availability of safe spaces for women.

The study highlighted five Ivy League institutions—Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, and the University of Pennsylvania—along with a mix of other schools, such as the University of California, Santa Barbara, and Stanford University.

Some of these universities have over 50 all-gender facilities, clearly stating their inclusivity for transgender and non-binary individuals. For instance, at Stanford, private restrooms with enhanced privacy are designated as unisex.

Concerns about safety were raised in the study, which argued against allowing anyone into women’s facilities. It referred to a 2023 study from the correctional service of Canada noting that 44% of transgender female inmates were convicted of sex crimes.

Kaye also remarked, “Women should not be required to change clothes in front of men. This shouldn’t even be a point of debate.”

William Jacobson, founder of Legal Insurrection and a law professor at Cornell, mentioned that universities might face complaints regarding single-sex facilities, which could lead to potential loss of federal funding.

He noted, “While no decisions have been finalized yet, we are investigating possible Title IX violations.” This raises significant questions, especially following recent Supreme Court interpretations regarding Title IX and transgender athletes competing in women’s sports. Jacobson commented that “gender identity” cannot supersede women’s legal rights.

In a related ruling, the Supreme Court affirmed state-level restrictions on biological males competing in women’s sports, regardless of their transgender status. Title IX, a key part of the Education Reform Act of 1972, prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs.