Dignity Project’s UPR student chapter calls for repeal of inclusive restrooms

University of Puerto Rico students who say they were not allowed to finish speaking, at a Student Assembly, about their opposition to mixed gender bathrooms, cited concerns for student safety and potential risks to the institution’s federal funding as President Trump has vowed to repeal funding to colleges that promote diversity and inclusion.

By The Star Staff

The student chapter of the Dignity Project (Proyecto Dignidad) at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus announced Thursday that during the Student Assembly, the General Student Council obstructed statements criticizing inclusive restrooms and supporting their elimination.

The affected students cited concerns for student safety and potential risks to the institution’s federal funding as President Trump has vowed to repeal federal funding to colleges that promote diversity and inclusion.

Cristián García Rodríguez, the chapter president, stated that the Council censored student Jan Carlos Tousset during his speech at the Assembly after he questioned the organization’s inaction regarding reports of inappropriate behavior in restrooms used by both genders.

“The inclusive bathroom model has failed,” García Rodríguez said in a written statement. “It has created an environment of insecurity and fear, especially for women.”

Tousset, a business administration student, shared a video on social media showing how he was interrupted by Council members. He claimed that his message aimed to highlight the testimonies of several young women who have reported witnessing or being victims of inappropriate behavior by men who entered the inclusive restrooms.

Students referenced recent alerts from the campus Security Division, including a reported lewd act on March 27 and another incident on April 2 involving a person walking around campus in underwear.

Dignity Project at-Large Rep. Lisie Burgos Muñiz supported the students’ claims.

“The use of mixed-gender restrooms puts the physical and emotional well-being of students at risk and could jeopardize continued federal funding in light of the federal government’s new policies,” Burgos Muñiz said.

She introduced a measure on Jan. 9 to prohibit inclusive restrooms in public facilities. Gov. Jennifer González Colón has expressed her intention to sign the bill if it is approved by the Legislature.

During Tuesday’s Assembly, the Council approved a motion to declare Tousset and García Rodríguez “personas non grata” for allegedly engaging in inappropriate conduct. Both students rejected that characterization, describing it as an attempt to silence dissenting voices.

“The problem here is not only security, but also the lack of space to discuss these issues without facing retaliation,” Tousset said. “The university cannot become a place where those who have different opinions are punished.”

Dignity Project President César Vázquez Muñiz also weighed in on the situation, demanding that the Council rescind the motion and address the students’ safety concerns.

“The UPR must prioritize the protection and privacy of its students, rather than impose social experiments that jeopardize their well-being,” Vázquez Muñiz said.

The group has also called on university authorities to investigate the harassment allegations and to reinstate gender-specific bathrooms as a safety measure.