Inclusive Washrooms

Everyone needs a washroom

Inclusive signage and all gender washrooms at OCAD U are an essential part of creating a safe, accessible and welcoming environment for our students, employees and visitors. This initiative addresses the ongoing need to prioritize the safety and comfort of transgender and gender diverse people in gender segregated spaces.

OCAD U recognizes that gender identity and expression are self-determined, and that this is the only criterion required to determine which washroom to use. 

OCAD U also recognizes the need for more multi-stall all gender washrooms across the campus. When opportunities to redevelop spaces become available, the university’s planning process considers this need in the context of the development, as well as the need for additional universal washrooms that address accessibility needs, the needs of users who require personal care support as well as people with young children.
 

All gender washrooms

All gender washrooms aspire to be safer spaces where anyone — regardless of gender identity or expression — can use the toilet, wash their hands and check the mirror. These spaces reduce anxiety and fear of physical or verbal harassment, microaggression or assault for gender diverse and trans people while they use essential facilities — a real and ongoing risk in gender segregated spaces. Visit our interactive map for the locations of all gender private stall washrooms on the OCAD U campus.
 

Inclusive signage on washrooms

OCAD U washrooms include signage indicating the space is inclusive and that OCAD U respects everyone’s right to choose the washroom that is appropriate for them. These signs also provide helpful information for those who are seeking an all gender private stall washroom location. Feedback on this signage is welcome at washrooms@ocadu.ca.

Pilot project: All gender multi-stall washroom

OCAD University and the OCAD Student Union are piloting a project to convert a multi-stall washroom to all gender use. Located on Level 3 of 205 Richmond St. W., this washroom may be used by anyone. This project aims to provide more inclusive options for OCAD U community members to access washrooms regardless of their gender identity, and to reduce reliance on private-stall all gender options, which are also used by those in our community with accessibility requirements. Additionally, multi-stall washrooms encourage socialization among people of different genders and contribute to a sense of community and safety, fostering positive relationships and reducing stigma.

The OCAD U community is invited to help us measure the success of the project by providing your feedback to washrooms@ocadu.ca. The project will be evaluated in December 2023.

Support from OCAD U Safety, Security & Campus Operations team

The Safety, Security & Campus Operations team supports the OCAD U community and understands that when a complaint is being made about someone using the “wrong” washroom, it’s often the person being reported who needs protection.

If you encounter concerning behaviour on campus or vandalism of signage, please contact the Security team at (non-emergency) 416-977-6000 Ext. 366.

In an emergency, use the OCAD U Safe App, call 416-977-6000 Ext. 511 or dial 911.