Navigating SB-8: FAQs

What is SB 8?

SB 8 requires all Texas state schools and universities to provide restrooms, locker rooms, and changing facilities based on biological sex rather than gender identity.

The new law requires the use of public restrooms that align with sex assigned at birth.

In addition, schools must provide single-occupancy, unisex, or family restrooms as alternatives for those who prefer other options or for those not within binary categories.

Will TCC comply with SB 8?

Yes. TCC remains committed to fostering a respectful culture and advancing our value of connection for belonging while abiding by all legal requirements. As such, TCC will comply with SB 8 and continue to prioritize the safety and dignity of our students, employees, and community.

TCC will clearly identify restrooms and locker rooms according to biological sex with clear, unalterable signage. TCC will also provide single-occupancy, unisex, or family restrooms as alternatives for those who prefer other options or for those not within binary categories.

How does the bill define biological sex?

Biological sex refers to reproductive anatomy or sex assigned at birth, not gender identity.

What does TCC compliance with SB 8 NOT do?

SB 8 does NOT alter TCC’s culture of caring for all students and employees or the core value to foster a connection for belonging across the College. Adherence to the legal requirements of SB 8 does NOT reflect a desire to police gender or single out any individuals or specific groups. 

The TCC response to SB 8 focuses on providing access to restrooms and locker rooms as required by law and providing clear information and maps for those seeking unisex restrooms. Incident reporting tools and staff training offer support for compliance with state law in a manner that is both courteous and respectful of all individuals.

How will TCC identify restrooms to comply with SB 8?

To comply with the legal requirements set forth in SB 8, TCC will provide clearly marked restrooms and locker rooms to support usage based on biological sex and offer the option of unisex restrooms.

To support all students and employees, TCC will also post public signage with a QR code that identifies all restrooms on campus, including locations of gender-neutral facilities. In addition, maps for all restrooms across campus locations and instructions will continue to be available on tccd.edu for convenience.

What happens if a violation of SB 8 occurs?

Penalties for SB 8 violations apply to institutions, not individuals, with the College subject to potential fines and lawsuits. To comply with state law and demonstrate TCC’s commitment to understanding, safety, and mutual respect, the College will use reasonable efforts to educate and inform students, employees, and visitors on the requirements of SB 8.

What is the incident reporting process?

Students and employees should utilize the College’s existing grievance processes in the event they need to report any incidents related to SB 8.

To contact an office for assistance:

• Students: askTCC@tccd.edu
• Employees: AskHR@tccd.edu

What other support services will TCC provide?

The TCC Office of Organizational Excellence and Development (OED) will provide general informational videos for all students and employees to learn more about SB 8, restroom locations and incident reporting. In addition, OED will offer specific in-depth training for TCC teams responding to any incident reports, including police, HR, and the Student Conduct teams.

This training provides TCC response teams with guidance on how to respond to potential incidents with courtesy and concern while advancing the College value of connection for belonging and building a sense of trust and safety for all students and employees.

Am I obligated to report an incident?

No. Students and employees have NO obligation to report any incidents related to SB 8. Reporting is strictly voluntary.