Private Space Designation and Use
Subject: Private Space Designation and Use
Effective Date: February 20, 2026
Board Policy Reference: CL
Purpose
This Administrative Regulation establishes requirements for the designation, access, and use of private spaces within Blinn College District facilities, including athletics facilities, dressing rooms, changing rooms, makeup rooms, warm-up rooms, backstage support spaces, and other multiple-occupancy and single-occupancy private areas to ensure compliance with Texas Government Code, Chapter 3002 (S.B. 8, Texas Women’s Privacy Act), and Board Policy CL.
This regulation applies to all individuals accessing such spaces in district-owned or operated facilities, including employees, contractors, custodial and maintenance personnel, student-athletes, coaches, athletic support staff, trainers, medical personnel, performing arts students, cast and crew members, musicians, dancers, faculty, directors, technical staff, visiting groups, members of the public, and other visitors.
Definitions
- Female: An individual who naturally has or will have, or had or would have but for a congenital anomaly or 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 disruption, a reproductive system designed to produce, transport, and utilize sperm for fertilization.
- Sex: An individual's biological sex, male or female.
- Multiple-Occupancy Private Space: A backstage or support area designed for simultaneous use by more than one person where someone may be in a state of undress, such as theatre dressing rooms, dance dressing rooms, costume-changing rooms, and makeup rooms.
- Single-Occupancy Private Space: A private room or restroom intended for one person at a time where someone may be in a state of undress, including individual dressing rooms or private changing cubicles.
Designation Requirements
All multiple-occupancy performing arts dressing rooms must be designated for use exclusively by individuals of one sex. Single-occupancy private spaces may be designated male, female, or unisex. Designated signage must be posted at each dressing room.
Temporary Re-Designation
Certain productions may require supervised mixed-access backstage areas. These spaces must be placed into temporary non-private status, with posted signage. No individuals may be in a state of undress when a temporary re-designation is in effect.
I. Performing Arts Dressing Room Standards and Procedures
A. General Standards
To ensure privacy, safety, professionalism, and compliance with Board Policy and Texas law:
- Base Layer Garments – Mandatory: All performers must wear an opaque base layer under all costumes.
- No State of Undress: No dressing room occupant shall be in a state of undress at any time.
- Unisex Restrooms and/or Male/Female Restroom Access: Unisex restroom facilities provided within dressing room areas or male/female restroom access must be used for all private changing needs.
- Required Signage: The Visual & Performing Arts (VPA) Dressing room notice signage will be posted at all dressing rooms stating:
“To ensure privacy, safety, and compliance with Blinn College District Board Policy and Texas law: All performers must wear an opaque base layer garment underneath all costumes. No dressing room occupant shall be in a state of undress at any time. Unisex restrooms are provided within each dressing room for all personal changing needs. Please help us maintain a respectful, comfortable and professional environment for all performers and staff.”
- Outside Groups: External groups using College District performing arts facilities must follow all dressing room procedures. If they cannot comply, the VPA Department will provide appropriate gender-specific signage and room assignments.
B. Prohibitions
- Individuals may not use a multiple-occupancy private space designated for the opposite sex except under specific statutory exceptions.
- Employees may not facilitate violations.
- The following are strictly prohibited:
- Being nude or partially nude in any dressing room or backstage area.
- Using a dressing room designated for the opposite sex unless an authorized exception applies.
- Recording or photographing individuals inside dressing rooms or changing areas.
- Allowing co-ed use of private dressing rooms without temporary re-designation.
- Removing base layers in shared dressing rooms.
II. Athletics Private Space Procedures
A. General Standards
- Athletic team locker rooms, showers, and changing areas must be designated for the sex of the team scheduled to use the space.
- Coaches and athletic staff must ensure team members understand private space assignments.
- Visiting teams must be notified of designations and expectations prior to arrival.
- Staff with authority must ensure individuals of the opposite sex do not enter private spaces unless an authorized exception applies.
- Support personnel (trainers, medical staff, etc.) may only enter when no one is in a state of undress or when an exception applies.
- Temporary non-private designation may be used when operationally necessary, with proper notification and signage.
B. Prohibitions
Individuals may not use a multiple-occupancy private space designated for the opposite sex except under specific statutory exceptions. Employees may not facilitate violations. The following are prohibited:
- Use of a multiple-occupancy private space by an individual whose biological sex does not match the designated sex (unless an exception applies).
- Facilitating unauthorized entry.
- Recording or photographing individuals inside private spaces, including locker rooms, changing rooms, or showers.
- Allowing co-ed use of private spaces without proper temporary re-designation.
III. Exceptions and Accommodations
A. Permitted Entry (Opposite-Sex Designated Space)
Entry into a private space designated for the opposite sex is permitted only for:
- Emergency medical personnel
- Staff assisting with performer health or safety
- Athletic medical or training support
- Assisting an individual requiring help
- Law enforcement
- Preventing an immediate threat to safety or order
B. Children Under Nine
A child nine (9) years of age or younger may enter a dressing room designated for the opposite sex only when accompanied by a caregiver.
C. Accommodations
Individuals with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations in accordance with Blinn College District’s ADA policies and established accommodation procedures.
IV. Entry Procedure for Maintenance, Custodial, and Vendors
- Knock and announce presence before entering a private space.
- Wait for occupants to exit. Do not enter until unoccupied.
- Place required maintenance/custodial signage at the entrance.
- If someone attempts to enter while work is underway, politely ask them to wait. If they cannot wait, exit immediately.
- Complete work respectfully and efficiently, performing only required tasks.
- Remove signage when finished and report any concerns.
V. Reporting Violations
All complaints and potential violations must be reported immediately to the Executive Dean of the respective campus. Employees who receive written notice of a potential violation are required to notify the Executive Dean within one (1) business day. Failure to comply with this reporting requirement may result in disciplinary action and/or loss of facility access.
Campus Contacts
- Brenham Campus
Myron Dippel
Phone: 979-830-4316
Email: myron.dippel@blinn.edu - Bryan Campus
Dr. Jimmy Byrd
Phone: 979-209-7287
Email: jimmy.byrd@blinn.edu - RELLIS Campus
Dr. Chris Marrs
Phone: 979-691-2069
Email: chris.marrs@blinn.edu - Schulenburg Campus
Dr. Becky Garlick
Phone: 979-743-5222
Email: bgarlick@blinn.edu - Sealy Campus
Lisa Caton
Phone: 979-256-1720
Email: lisa.caton@blinn.edu - Waller Campus
Max Hibbs
Phone: 979-830-4446
Email: mhibbs@blinn.edu