UC Davis Plans $5 Million All-Gender Locker Rooms Amid Backlash

The University of California, Davis has announced plans to renovate its recreation center by converting traditional men's and women's locker rooms into 'universal' all-inclusive locker rooms, sparking significant backlash from various community members, particularly women. The renovation project, which will cost $5 million, aims to create spaces accessible to all individuals, regardless of gender identity, emphasizing privacy with individual cabanas and changing areas equipped with floor-to-ceiling locking doors. Critics, including women's rights activists and alumni, have voiced concerns about safety and privacy, questioning the practicality of shared locker room spaces. The university maintains that the changes are made in the interest of inclusivity and accommodating diverse needs within the community. The new facilities are expected to reopen in September 2025, following the completion of renovations. This decision coincides with ongoing national discussions regarding gender identity and access to public facilities.