Inclusive Change Room FAQs

Are patrons able to choose which change room or washroom they use at the University of Saskatchewan?

Yes. The University of Saskatchewan embraces diversity and ensures fair, respectful and inclusive treatment of all its members, no matter their gender. We acknowledge that our students, staff, faculty and other members of the university community, as well as visitors to campus, are able to use the washroom and change room facilities that they believe most closely align with their own gender.

Why are individuals allowed to choose which facilities they use?

Individuals can choose the facilities that they believe most closely align with their gender, which is in line with provincial and federal Human Rights legislation. We must take a very careful look at all non-discrimination policies and procedures and ensure that we are leading the way, especially when it comes to an individual’s human rights. All steps that we take to ensure a safe and respectful environment follow the legislation and recommendations of the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission.

What about the safety and privacy of other visitors using these facilities, especially children and women?

Safety is of utmost importance at the university and we take great measures to ensure the safety of all people who are on campus. In order to ensure that all of our students, staff, faculty and other community members who visit our spaces feel comfortable and safe when using university facilities, we have been working since 2018 to convert several single-stall unisex washrooms on campus to be inclusive washrooms, which are public toilets that people of any gender can use. In addition, the Physical Activity Complex (PAC) and Education Building have inclusive change rooms available to provide additional privacy to anyone who desires to use those facilities, and not use group spaces.

Do you worry that individuals pretend to be transgender in order to access certain changerooms?

We do not anticipate people would seek to abuse the policy on gender inclusivity and certainly would not tolerate it, as all individuals are still responsible to maintain appropriate behavior when in change rooms. Any violation would be addressed on the basis that the behavior is inappropriate, rather than on concerns of gender. Be assured that the university goes to great lengths to ensure the safety of all members of our campus community, in all spaces on our campuses. This is a matter of Human Rights and in line with Saskatchewan Human Rights legislation.

What if people don’t feel safe using these facilities when individuals presenting in a masculine way are using women designated facilities?

Our facilities provide an option—change rooms and washrooms—to anyone who prefers not to use group spaces.

Since 2018, we have been working to convert several single-stall gender neutral washrooms on campus to be inclusive washrooms, which are public toilets that people of any gender can use.

The Physical Activity Complex (PAC) and Education Building have inclusive change rooms available to provide additional privacy to anyone who desires to use those facilities or anyone who prefers not to use group spaces.

How does the university decide who can use gendered facilities?

The university does not decide this, the individual decides. Our facilities provide an option—change rooms and washrooms—to any individual or family who prefers not to use group spaces.

What do I do if a person is in the change room and says they belong there but I feel like they don’t, based upon how they look?

A person’s gender (whether they identify as male or female) and their gender expression (the clothing, hairstyle, and behaviours they use to express themselves) do not always align with societal expectations. For example, a woman may look more masculine, but just because they do not fit into traditional norms of femininity does not mean they are not a woman and do not belong in the women’s change room. While we actively monitor our facilities to ensure the safety of everyone using them, we do not police gender expression and gender and recognize that gender can be expressed in many ways. Please see terminology list below.