Education and Early Childhood Development
Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
November 2, 2015

Supporting Safe and Caring Schools

New Gender Neutral Washroom Supports Inclusive School Commitment

A new gender neutral washroom that supports inclusive learning environments has recently been completed at the Murphy Centre. The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development was joined today by Minister Clyde Jackman, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development, and members of the Murphy Centre to tour the school.

"With society's enhanced understanding and acceptance of gender identity, these gender neutral washrooms represent how inclusive practices are integrated into our educational system. We have worked hard to change attitudes and support the needs of the LGBTQ community. By providing these washrooms we hope to create a more inclusive environment, respecting the rights of all individuals. Ensuring that all students in our school communities have a safe and supported learning environment is a priority for our government."
- Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development

The washroom includes eight bathroom stalls with floor to ceiling walls and doors and a common wash area. There are also two additional accessible washrooms. As part of the Provincial Government's commitment to inclusive education, in addition to the washrooms currently provided in schools, gender neutral washrooms will be included as part of all new school construction.

"Gender neutral washrooms are not a new idea and are prevalent in parts of Europe. This design has been shown to reduce incidences of bullying and create a safe and inclusive environment for students. This project has been of special interest to me and I am delighted to see it completed."
- Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development

The Murphy Centre offers an alternative high school experience, designed to meet the unique needs of its learners. From the high school credit program and Adult Basic Education, to the personal development and career services offered, the Murphy Centre supports young adults on their journey to being active and contributing members of society. For more information: www.murphycentre.ca/ .

"Based upon participant and staff responses, the transition from traditional washrooms to the current gender-neutral washrooms has been virtually seamless. All appreciate how our new washrooms are accommodating of the whole community. We are very appreciative of the support the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development provided to create these gender-neutral washrooms."
- Tim Thorne, Director of The Murphy Centre

The Provincial Government's Revised Safe and Caring School's Policy has the goal of supporting schools in developing and maintaining safe, caring and inclusive learning environments. For more information on the initiative, see: www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu/k12/safeandcaring/index.html

QUICK FACTS

• A new gender neutral washroom that supports inclusive learning environments has recently been completed at the Murphy Centre.
• The washroom has eight private stalls and a common washing area. There are also two additional accessible washrooms.
• In addition to the washrooms currently provided in schools, gender neutral washrooms will be included as part of all new school construction.
• For more information on the Murphy Centre, see: www.murphycentre.ca

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Media contacts:

Blair Medd Director of Communications Department of Education and Early Childhood Development 709-729-0048, 631-8465 blairmedd@gov.nl.ca	Heather May Director of Communication Seniors, Wellness and Social Development 709-729-0928, 697-5061 heathermay@gov.nl.ca
Tim Thorne Director Murphy Centre Contact 709-753-2820

2015 11 02                              3:00 p.m.