Handbook of Operating Procedures 4-1040 (Interim)

Privacy in Restrooms and Similar Facilities

Effective November 25, 2025
Executive Sponsor: University Risk and Compliance Services
Policy Owner: Associate Vice President for Campus Operations

 

1. Policy Statement

Texas law requires public universities to designate restrooms, locker rooms, changing rooms, and shower rooms that are designated for simultaneous use by multiple individuals as single-sex facilities and adopt procedures to prevent individuals from entering such multiple-occupancy facilities that are designated for use by individuals of the opposite sex.

2. Reason for Policy

To comply with provisions of state law requiring the separation of males and females in multiple-occupancy restrooms and similar facilities where individuals may be in a state of undress.
 

3. Scope & Audience

This Policy applies to all University faculty, staff, employees, students, student organizations, visitors, contractors, university affiliates, and applicants for admission to or employment with the University and others conducting business on campus.
 

4. Definitions (specific to this policy)

Female:

an individual who naturally has or will have, or had or would have but for a congenital anomaly or an intentional or unintentional disruption, a reproductive system designed to produce, transport, and provide eggs for fertilization.

Male:

an individual who naturally has or will have, or had or would have but for a congenital anomaly or an intentional or unintentional disruption, a reproductive system designed to produce, transport, and utilize sperm for fertilization.

Multiple-occupancy facility:

a restroom, shower room, locker room, or changing room that is designed or designated for use by more than one individual at a time.

Single-occupancy facility:

a restroom, shower room, locker room, or changing room that is designed or designated for use by one individual at a time. Restrooms and shower rooms that are attached to individual dormitory rooms or suites are presumed to be single-occupancy facilities.

5. Website (for policy)

https://secure4.compliancebridge.com/utexas/public/getdoc.php?file=4-1040
 

6. Contacts

7. Responsibilities & Procedures

1. Designation of Multiple-Occupancy Facilities for Exclusive Male or Female Use

1. Each multiple-occupancy facility that is located in a building owned, operated, or controlled by UT Austin must be designated for exclusive use by Females or for exclusive use by Males.

2. This designation may be accomplished by signs referring to either the male or female sex (e.g., “Men” or “Women”) located on or immediately adjacent to doors providing entry to the facility.

3. Single-occupancy facilities that are equipped with an interior lock are not required to be designated for exclusive use by either Females or Males.