Stop Gender Stereotyping: Provide Universally Accessible Changing Tables in All Your Stores

The Issue

As a new dad, I recently learned an unfortunate reality about changing diapers while out in public with a child. Almost all public changing tables are in women's bathrooms, which makes it nearly impossible to find a table that's accessible to dads. As crazy as it sounds, many stores don’t give dads the option to change their babies’ diapers.

It's 2015, families are diverse, and it is an injustice to assume it’s only a woman's job to handle changing diapers. This assumption is gender stereotyping and companies should be supporting all parents that shop at their stores equally – no matter their gender.

Changing tables in men's rooms will be a tiny step in the long process of rectifying the legacy of gender discrimination, but it's a step we need to take. Dads, like myself, want to participate equally in the child care process and our society should support that. 

Target and Costco have proven themselves time and time again to be companies that honor diversity, support families, and provide great services to kids of all ages. That is why I am calling on them to be the change. As leaders in their industry, they can initiate a company-wide policy to provide universally accessible changing tables in their stores. 

If Target and Costco take this step, I know that other companies will follow suit and recognize that we should be supporting all parents equally. 

#BeTheChange

#LeanInTogether

Confirmed victory
This petition made change with 103,466 supporters!

The Issue

As a new dad, I recently learned an unfortunate reality about changing diapers while out in public with a child. Almost all public changing tables are in women's bathrooms, which makes it nearly impossible to find a table that's accessible to dads. As crazy as it sounds, many stores don’t give dads the option to change their babies’ diapers.

It's 2015, families are diverse, and it is an injustice to assume it’s only a woman's job to handle changing diapers. This assumption is gender stereotyping and companies should be supporting all parents that shop at their stores equally – no matter their gender.

Changing tables in men's rooms will be a tiny step in the long process of rectifying the legacy of gender discrimination, but it's a step we need to take. Dads, like myself, want to participate equally in the child care process and our society should support that. 

Target and Costco have proven themselves time and time again to be companies that honor diversity, support families, and provide great services to kids of all ages. That is why I am calling on them to be the change. As leaders in their industry, they can initiate a company-wide policy to provide universally accessible changing tables in their stores. 

If Target and Costco take this step, I know that other companies will follow suit and recognize that we should be supporting all parents equally. 

#BeTheChange

#LeanInTogether

Confirmed victory

This petition made change with 103,466 supporters!

Share this petition

The Decision Makers

Target
Responded
Hi Ashton, We appreciate the interest. As you've noted, at Target we are absolutely committed to creating a family-friendly environment and accommodating the needs of our guests. For the convenience of all of our guests, we have made changing tables a standard feature in both our men’s and women’s restrooms for more than 25 years. In addition, as we build new stores, we place changing tables in our women's, men's and family restrooms. In the event a changing table is unavailable, we encourage our guests to notify a team member and we will be happy to offer an alternative private location to meet their needs. Molly Snyder Target Public Relations
Costco
Responded
Though Costco is known as a "no-frills" retailer, we are also known for our commitment to customer service. Since 1995 Costco has installed ​changing tables in all warehouse restrooms for both women and men. Going forward, and in order to allow additional privacy​ in new warehouse locations​, Costco will be providing a Family Restroom with a changing table​. In ​addition, when there is a major restroom remodel​ of older locations​, changing tables ​will be included in the plans.
Petition updates