Michigan State University has reversed course on a controversial decision to make all community bathrooms in its honors dormitory gender-neutral, following pushback from students and parents who raised concerns about privacy and comfort.
The Initial Change
The $37.1 million renovation of Campbell Hall converted all 20 community bathrooms into unisex facilities, making them the first co-ed community bathrooms of their kind across MSU's 27 residence halls. University officials stated the change was designed to adapt to anticipated shifts in student demographics.
The four-floor honors dorm also includes five single-use restrooms in addition to the shared facilities.
The Backlash
The decision sparked immediate controversy when parents discovered they had not been notified in advance about the elimination of gender-designated bathrooms. According to one parent's complaint, at least one student felt uncomfortable enough to seek alternative bathroom facilities elsewhere.
Following a formal complaint and survey results revealing widespread discomfort among residents, university officials moved quickly to address concerns. Last week, new signs went up designating some bathrooms by gender once again.
The Compromise
In an email to Campbell Hall residents, university officials outlined the new arrangement. The ground and first floors, which each have two community bathrooms, will be "configured as much as possible to the gender make-up of the community." The second and third floors, with eight community bathrooms plus single-use restrooms, will offer "gendered bathroom options."
"We wanted to ensure that no room moves were required as part of these changes," the email stated. "The updates are intended to offer more choice and help residents feel more comfortable in their daily routines."
University spokesperson Kat Cooper confirmed the policy shift but said officials were still determining exactly how many bathrooms would remain unisex versus gender-designated.
Institutional Response
Members of the MSU Board of Trustees publicly supported the university's decision to respond to student and parent feedback.
"I'm happy that the university listens to the concerns of its students," said Trustee Mike Balow.
Trustee Dennis Denno added, "It's important for our students to feel comfortable and to have options. This is the right move by the university."
The reversal represents a notable example of universities adjusting campus policies in response to direct feedback from their residential communities, particularly when changes affect student privacy and daily living arrangements. The incident also highlights the importance of stakeholder notification and consultation before implementing significant facility modifications that impact student life.
Cooper emphasized that the decision followed "review of the survey data" and was made "to provide options for students," suggesting the university prioritized student comfort and choice in its final policy.
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