The Anchor put out a poll not long ago asking students their thoughts on the problems of PIHS bathrooms. While typical issues such as the crowdedness and drama in the bathrooms gathered votes on the poll, one concern caught the attention of the Civil Rights team: the absence of gender neutral bathroom options of the school. 

Civil Rights Team adviser, social worker Whitney Pinette, in an email to The Anchor expressed concern on behalf of her club. “The efforts that we have made to have gender neutral bathroom options have all been in vain if even one student who could make use of them isn’t aware of them,” Pinette said.

However, it did seem like students didn’t know about such facilities in our school. I asked students in need of the option if they are aware of their presence. “I don’t know any labeled gender neutral bathrooms in the school, where are they?” Lain Ellis ’24 said.

In a conversation with Pinette, she helped educate and clarify. According to Pinette, gender neutral bathrooms and locker room option began last year as safe public spaces for students who identify as non-binary or who are going through transitioning. When asked why most students might not be aware yet of these spaces, Pinette said, “I don’t think we’ve ever announced it.” She mentioned that usually, when a student is dealing with gender identity, the school would direct them to her for information on gender neutral facilities in school. This whole process might be why it is not yet a common knowledge.

The Civil Rights Team will consider how to tackle clearer labeling on these facilities at upcoming meetings, according to Pinette.

Now the important part: where are these places, actually? Kids in need, have you seen the staff bathrooms scattered around the school? And the varsity locker room that feels much more comfortable changing in for PE? These are the places you are free to use at any time.