When approaching public restrooms, it is likely that you will only see two options: Men’s and Women’s. But what about the growing population of people who identify as the gender opposite from their anatomy?

Unfortunately for many, school bathrooms can be a place of bullying and harassment for those who are different. Without the watchful eyes of teachers or supervisors, bullies are free to let their anger and self-hatred out on others. However, I see a possible solution that has already been used in other schools.

Gender neutral bathrooms would provide a safe, and judgement-free zone for those in need. More than four out of five transgender youth (82 percent) reported that they felt unsafe at school because of who they were, according to TransEquality.org and the National School Climate Survey. This means that the majority of transgender or gender non-conforming teens feel vulnerable and in harm’s way while attending school. This is something I believe would not be tolerated by school administrators if it were a different group of students that felt this way.

As a student body and faculty, I believe we have a responsibility to allow each and every student to be themselves while at school as long as that behavior does not create a situation that is harmful or disruptive to the learning environment. Many transgender teens are afraid to begin the transitioning process because of a lack of support, either real or perceived.

While we may not be able to help with an absence of acceptance in an individual’s home-life, we can work together to make a  difference in that person’s life while he or she is at school. By taking this small step of establishing a gender-neutral bathroom at our school, we would show our support and acceptance to those who need it most.

Send comments to holtsy1007@daretolearn.org