LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) — In an effort to ensure that all students at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette have access to safe restroom facilities, university officials are implementing plans for the addition of multiple all-gender restrooms across campus.

According to Interim Chief Diversity Officer Kiwana McClung, UL is surveying 80 single-person restrooms currently designated for men or women to determine their suitability to be converted into gender-neutral restrooms with appropriate signage.

McClung said the plan to make restrooms more available for transgender or other individuals who are comfortable using single-person restrooms, was developed more than a year ago.

“We are a university of diversity, equality and inclusion,” she said.

She said the next step in the process will be under the control of Campus Facilities Services who sets standards for new restroom designs and construction.

“That process will involve prepping the sites, by putting up signage before any changes take effect, and creating signage that points to the nearest single-gender, traditional restroom for those who are more comfortable in those environments.”

McClung said lots of students are excited that the gender neutral restrooms are going forward.

“We hope that more students in the process of discovering their gender identity, or who do not wish to identify themselves by gender, will feel included and welcomed.”