At Evergreen Middle School, we strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all students. One crucial step towards achieving this goal is the implementation of gender-neutral restrooms. By signing this petition, you can help us make a significant change that not only benefits our school but also sets a precedent for broader policy changes in King County, Washington.

Why is this important?

Inclusivity: Gender-neutral restrooms ensure that all students, regardless of their gender identity, have access to safe and welcoming facilities. This is particularly important for transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming students who may feel uncomfortable or unsafe using gender-specific restrooms. Additionally, 1.7% of people globally are biologically intersex, which could make them feel left out or uncomfortable when only given access to restrooms that have binary genders.

Privacy and Safety: Gender-neutral restrooms provide increased privacy and safety for all students. This helps reduce bullying and harassment that can occur in gender-segregated restrooms. By offering more private options, we can protect the dignity and well-being of every student.

Equality: By adopting gender-neutral restrooms, Evergreen Middle School will demonstrate its commitment to equality and the fair treatment of all students. This change aligns with our values of respect, dignity, and support for every individual in our school community.

Legal Compliance: Implementing gender-neutral restrooms can help ensure that our school complies with anti-discrimination laws and policies, fostering an environment that respects the rights of all students.

Our Goal:

We are calling on the administration of Evergreen Middle School to take the following steps:

Designate existing single-occupancy restrooms as gender-neutral.
Add new gender-neutral restrooms to ensure there are adequate facilities available for all students. This includes considering gender-neutral options in future building plans and renovations. This is not required if not currently planning on having any renovations to the building, as it can be difficult or complicated to add and construct to an already established building.
Advocate for district-wide changes that promote inclusivity and equality in all schools in the Lake Washington School District.

Broader Impact:

Beyond our school, we envision a future where gender-neutral restrooms become the norm across King County. By starting this initiative at Evergreen Middle School, we aim to set a positive example that can inspire other schools and public buildings to follow suit. Ultimately, we hope to see this change reflected in local legislation, ensuring that most or all public facilities in King County offer gender-neutral restrooms.

How You Can Help:

Sign this petition to show your support for gender-neutral restrooms at Evergreen Middle School.
Share this petition with friends, family, and the school community to raise awareness about the importance of this issue.
Join the conversation and advocate for inclusive policies that respect and affirm the identities of all students.
Contact local representatives to express your support for gender-neutral restrooms and encourage them to consider legislation that would make these facilities a standard in King County.
Together, we can make Evergreen Middle School a place where every student feels safe, respected, and valued. By taking this step, we also contribute to a broader movement towards inclusivity and equality in our community. Thank you for your support!