A gender-neutral restroom and lactation station opened in the University Student Union on the first floor between the KBeach radio station and the Beach Auditorium over winter break.
The University Student Union Board of Trustees approved the project after BOT Chair Vanessa Mendoza brought the need for these facilities in the USU to attention of the board.
Lindsay San Miguel, the Associated Students Inc. communications manager, said the restroom and lactation center were added to the USU after hearing multiple student complaints.
“There are students who are pregnant who may feel awkward breastfeeding in public and other students who aren’t comfortable with seeing breastfeeding in public,” Tatiana Calara, a third year Child Development and Family Education major, said.
The Senate and ASI Board of Directors originally listed the general lack of knowledge regarding lactation stations and gender-neutral restrooms on campus in the agenda for the board meeting on Sept. 24, 2014.
There is no sign outside of the new restroom or lactation center entrance to indicate the new facilities. San Miguel said the BOT chose the location because the space was not used frequently before the renovation.
