Statement from Chancellor Dubois regarding the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act

To members of the UNC Charlotte Community:

Last week, I informed you that the University was anticipating formal guidance from the General Administration as to how the newly-enacted Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act, also known as House Bill 2, applies to UNC Charlotte. We now have that guidance in the form of a memorandum from UNC President Margaret Spellings, available here on the General Administration website. The text of the Act, which I would encourage you to read, is appended to the memorandum.

As noted by President Spellings, the Act does not impact the University’s existing nondiscrimination policies, including University Policy 501 and University Policy 501.2. UNC Charlotte is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education and employment. In upholding that principle, I affirm that the University will not tolerate discrimination or harassment in its educational and employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, political affiliation, veteran status, or genetic information.

Many have asked how the University intends to “enforce” the restroom and changing facilities provisions of the Act. As noted in the memorandum, the law does not contain any provisions concerning enforcement. UNC Charlotte will continue to label multiple-occupancy restrooms and changing facilities for single-sex use with appropriate signage.

Beginning in 2014, UNC Charlotte undertook an initiative to provide single-occupancy, gender-neutral restrooms across campus to make selecting a restroom easier for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors, including transgender individuals, families, and individuals with disabilities who may have an attendant. A list of the gender-neutral restrooms we’ve identified and constructed, along with maps to those restrooms and a list of additional planned restrooms, can be found here.

I understand and appreciate the serious concerns that many of you have regarding this law, and want to assure every member of our community — and future members of our community — that UNC Charlotte recognizes and values the inherent dignity and worth of each individual student, employee, and visitor. In our University Mission Statement, we promise to promote and nurture a robust intellectual environment that values social and cultural diversity, free expression, collegiality, integrity, and mutual respect. It is my priority and responsibility to uphold that promise and to ensure that this campus is considered a safe and welcoming place for everyone.