Hello, my name is Sydney Mitchell, and I am the Gender Studies Representative for the College of Liberal Arts Dean's Advisory Board. I am passionate about fighting for the rights of those who do not identify with the hetero-normative genders in our society and their availability to the same utilities as those who identify as male or female on the University of Southern Indiana campus. 

On USI's campus, there approximately 85 restrooms, with less than ten being "gender-friendly" restrooms, and up until the spring of 2019, they did not exist. The existing family restrooms are all located in the arena. The only other restrooms on the entire campus are male and female restrooms. For students or visitors who identify as transgender, or non-binary, there is no restroom for them to use if they feel uncomfortable using the given restrooms. According to the National Transgender Discrimination Survey, 50% of all transgender people will experience some form of sexual violence in their lifetime. Bathrooms are a place in which anyone can be vulnerable, and to someone who does not conform to gender norms, a bathroom can be an incredibly stressful and frightening place because, as we all know, not everyone is accepting of lifestyles that differ from theirs. 

With varying genders existing on this campus, I believe that it is essential that every student feels included and safe whilst using the restroom. Along with this, students or visitors who bring their children to campus are very limited when it comes to restrooms that provide them enough privacy to help their child use the restroom or to change their diapers. By creating gender neutral/family restrooms, there will be more available spaces for parents and those who feel uncomfortable using the given restrooms to go to the bathroom. 

I have spoken with the president of USI's campus, Dr. Rochon, and he is in favor of these restrooms. Though he is in favor of these restrooms being installed on campus, we must first get a student backing to support this cause. I am asking that all who agree with me on this matter sign this petition.I think that at the very least, one family restroom should exist in every building on USI's campus.This petition will be presented to the USI Board of Trustees, and they will decide if any further action should be taken.