Ottawa schools are making a change, several public schools in the city will be installing gender-neutral bathrooms to assist students who are either questioning their gender identity or are in the process of transitioning. The “universal” bathrooms are single units and will be accessible to everyone: male, female and those questioning their sexual identity. Ottawa Carleton District School Board says the decision to create these non-gender specific stalls came after parents of children who may be transitioning began making requests.

Since the announcement of universal bathrooms was made, it has received praise from parents and students, including Charlie’s mother, Anne Lowthian. “It offers children and parents a measure of security that they will be safe when using the bathroom that they won't have to hold it all day long for fear of being bullied in the washroom,” she said.