It is no secret that Drew is big on inclusion, especially in regards to the queer community. With LGBTQ+ resource pages on the Drew website, multiple clubs dedicated to safe queer spaces and discussion, celebrations on campus for all things pride and gender inclusive housing, it is safe to say that Drew is a place where any student or faculty member regardless of identity can feel at home.
In fact, on the Campus Pride Index, a website dedicated to rating LGBTQ+ inclusive colleges around the nation, Drew currently holds a whopping 4.5 out of 5 stars on their pride index scale. This puts Drew in the top 80 most queer friendly colleges around the country. Therefore, it came as no surprise when students came back from winter break to find new signage on campus bathrooms. Each blue and green sign reads “Gender diversity is welcome at Drew University. Please use the bathroom that best fits your gender identity or expression.” This display of acceptance can be found in nearly every single building, regardless of the original sign on the bathroom.
In the past, Reslife and Facilities have worked with students to convert or create more gender neutral bathrooms on campus, but the initiative is a slow and difficult process. However, this is not the staff’s fault, as it has been made clear that funding and construction complications in some of Drew’s older historical buildings are often the root of lengthy bathroom inclusivity missions. With this in mind, Drew’s staff are still working diligently toward inclusivity.
Jo Cavallaro is a sophomore double-majoring in psychology and gender studies.
Featured image courtesy of Lauren Cagliostro.
