California university blasted for replacing men’s and women’s locker rooms with 'all gender' spaces

DAVIS, CALIFORNIA: A California university has faced significant backlash after announcing plans to convert its men’s and women’s locker rooms into "universal" spaces, sparking outrage among women's rights activists and prominent figures.

The University of California, Davis, revealed its renovation plans in February. The university said the change was designed to promote "inclusivity" and create a more accessible environment for all students, regardless of gender.

California university announces universal locker room renovations

“We value inclusive, accessible environments that accommodate the diverse needs of our community. We are pleased to announce that we will be remodeling the current locker room facilities to implement universal locker rooms,” the university stated in its official announcement.

It further read, “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 members of all gender identities.”

The announcement, which also outlined plans for a $5 million renovation project, was made after two bills aimed at keeping transgender athletes out of women’s and girls’ sports failed to pass at both the state and federal levels, Fox News Digital reported.

The news of the locker room changes quickly spread on social media, where many expressed their dissatisfaction.

The university emphasized that the new locker room format would provide individual, private spaces, such as toilets, changing rooms, and cabanas, each equipped with floor-to-ceiling locking doors.

This, they argued, would ensure greater privacy for all members compared to the current setup. Despite the university's reassurances, the decision has intensified the debate over inclusivity and privacy, particularly in relation to transgender issues and women's rights.

Critics argue that the move undermines the traditional gender-segregated spaces that have long been seen as essential for women’s privacy and safety.

Students have been given until Wednesday, March 5, to clear their belongings out of the current locker rooms, as the renovations are set to begin. The new universal locker rooms are expected to reopen in September.

Internet expresses outrage over UC Davis' universal locker room plans

California women's rights activist Beth Bourne voiced her frustration on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, highlighting the growing concerns among female students.

She wrote, "This is so wrong. Next week @ucdaviswill begin a $5M renovation project at the ARC campus recreation center to remove the women’s and men’s sex-segregated locker rooms to create one big 'Universal Locker Room' that is 'inclusive of members of all gender identities.'"

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova wrote adding to the growing chorus of outrage, "This is beyond f****d up! Be prepared to lose a lot of women to this insanity."

One user said, "This is so offensive!!!! Where are young women’s right to privacy ???"

"My local leisure centre has a ‘changing village’. Massive gaps under the tiny cubicle doors, everyone all in together. Horrible," another added.

A person criticized it saying, "Metoo >> believe all women >> share a locker room with men and like it -- all within a few years. Wild timeline."

"Total unacceptable - federal funding into UC Davis must be halted until these plans are reversed," said a critic.

Someone else chimed in, "No female athletes should play sports at UCDavis going forward. This absurd level of disrespect for women will not go over well with parents of women when college selections are made."

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