By Aidin Vaziri, Staff Writer Updated March 6, 2025 (SFChronicle.com)
UC Davis officials are responding to backlash from right-wing groups and concerned students after announcing plans to overhaul its locker room facilities, replacing traditional men’s and women’s sections with all-gender “universal” spaces.
The $5 million renovation, announced last month and slated for completion in September, has sparked considerable opposition from conservative activist groups and some students.
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The university cited student feedback as the motivation for the change, initially stating, “All campus recreation members can use our universal locker rooms, regardless of who they are or how they identify. These spaces are inclusive of members with disabilities and all gender identities.”
After the criticism had surfaced, the university revised the announcement, replacing the original wording with a more neutral statement: “All Campus Recreation members will be able to use our new locker rooms. These spaces include ADA-accessible facilities for members with disabilities.”
Concerns about the new design have been voiced by some, particularly on Reddit. One user wrote, “Women already have to worry about men looking at them when they are working out, and adding men to their locker room is just wrong.”
These comments gained traction among critics of gender-inclusive policies, including conservative figures such as Beth Bourne, Elizabeth Barcohana and former tennis pro Martina Navratilova, who called the move “beyond f—ed up,” warning that it could alienate many women.
Despite the criticisms, UC Davis maintains that privacy is a top priority.
Bill Kisliuk, a spokesperson for the university, emphasized that the new locker rooms will offer fully enclosed spaces for changing, showering and using restrooms.
“In the redesign, common space is for use by all members, and the changing areas, showers and restrooms are fully private,” he said in a statement. “These spaces have floor-to-ceiling walls and doors.”
The university’s floor plan shows that separate men’s, women’s and gender-inclusive toilets will still be available. The design also includes private cabanas, changing rooms and toilet rooms.
However, some critics argue that the plan may not be sufficient for the high traffic expected at the recreation center.
One Reddit user questioned, “Did the college ask its female students how they feel about universal bathrooms or locker rooms?” Another commenter asked, “Was there any problem with how the locker rooms were before?,” and others expressed concerns about the loss of traditional locker room spaces. “RIP locker room talk,” one wrote.
Safety concerns have also been raised, with one Reddit user asking, “What happens when a man or other slips into this ‘private’ room, and now has phyical (sic) cover (a private room) to sexually assault a woman / other?”
Still, UC Davis officials insisted the renovation will address privacy and safety concerns while improving operational efficiency, allowing for quicker emergency responses, and ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
“We are committed to creating a welcoming environment for our campus community,” Kisliuk said.
Reach Aidin Vaziri: avaziri@sfchronicle.com
March 5, 2025|Updated March 6, 2025 10:52 a.m.
STAFF WRITER
Aidin Vaziri is a staff writer at The San Francisco Chronicle.