Restroom resolution only ASUA opinion, not policymaking
I have been sent a copy of the restroom resolution that failed 3-5-2 the other day. The sender requested that I keep in a format that is not editable, so it’s in a secured PDF on the link (meaning you can’t print it or copy the text).
Let’s go through this in HTML part by part, though. Hyperlinks added.
WHEREAS, The University of Arizona’s Statement on Restroom Access states that “the University allows individuals to use the restroom that corresponds to their gender identity”, and,
WHEREAS, Gender identity is defined by the statement as “an individual’s actual or perceived gender, including and individual’s self-image, appearance, expression, or behavior, whether or not that self-image, appearance, expression, or behavior is different from that traditionally associated with the individual’s sex at birth as being either female or male” and,
WHEREAS, This policy creates a uncomfortable situation for many people who may experience difficulty and inconvenience in using a restroom occupied by people who are legally defined as being of the opposite gender, and
WHEREAS, This policy further frees an individual from the disciplinary and legal consequences of being in a bathroom for nefarious purposes if they falsely claim to ‘perceive’ themselves as a certain gender, and,
WHEREAS, Clearly marked gender neutral bathrooms provided for in The Statement on Restroom Access can be constructed and designated for the use individuals uncomfortable using gender specific restrooms…
Looks like they tried to find some middle ground here anyhow. There’s nothing here against "gender neutral" restrooms. As for the rest…
RESOLVED, That the Associated Students of the University of Arizona opposes the University of Arizona’s Statement on Restroom Access, as it currently exists, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Associated Students of the University of Arizona supports the enforcement of a gender specific bathroom policy for bathrooms clearly marked as “men” and “women”, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Associated Students of the University of Arizona supports the continued construction and designation of a reasonable amount of clearly marked bathrooms as gender neutral to serve individuals uncomfortable with using gender specific restrooms and individuals with issues not related to gender identity such as parents and attendants/caregivers.
So the resolution with this can’t violate University affirmative action policy as alleged earlier; it’s only the opinion of ASUA we’re trying to resolve here, begging the question over why the university’s Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Office got involved in the first place.
Then again, the Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Office has a long history of getting involved in politics rather than doing their racist and sexist jobs quietly. The office’s assistant director, Francisco Gonzalez, regularly writes letters to the Arizona Daily Wildcat, all dealing with issues outside his official capacity while signing with his title.
Senators voting in favor of the resolution:
- Bryan Hill
- Shawn Ingram (author)
- Melodie Schwartz
Senators voting against the resolution:
- Mark Adams
- Jen Dang
- Steven Gerner
- Samantha Kerr
- Astrid Henao
- Jessica Anderson
- Lauren Conway
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