Public Restrooms: Privacy, Respect & Common Sense
My position is simple: protect everyone’s privacy, involve our communities, and focus on practical solutions.
Too often, disagreements about boys’ and girls’ restrooms become another source of hate and division.
I believe we should bring people together to solve problems.
Every person deserves dignity. Every person deserves privacy. Every community deserves a voice.
A Practical Design for Future Construction and Remodels
When public buildings are constructed or restrooms are already scheduled for renovation, I support considering a shared restroom layout that emphasizes privacy, accessibility, and common sense.
- Individual, fully enclosed toilet rooms along both sides, with full-height walls and closing, locking doors.
- An open, shared handwashing area down the middle, with sinks, soap, mirrors, and adequate visibility.
- Larger accessible and caregiver rooms for wheelchair users, parents assisting children, and individuals who require assistance.
- Thoughtful design and maintenance that support privacy, cleanliness, accessibility, safety, and emergency response.
Most toilet rooms would be intended for one person at a time, with appropriate exceptions for caregivers and parents assisting children.
This concept gives each person a private space to use the toilet and a common area to wash their hands.
It does not eliminate every behavior problem, but it offers a practical approach to privacy.
Improve Buildings as Opportunities Arise
I am not proposing that we tear out every existing public restroom in Oklahoma.
Communities should consider this approach when planning new construction or when restrooms are already scheduled for renovation.
Each project should weigh costs, available space, accessibility needs, community preferences, and applicable building requirements.
Local Involvement Should Guide Local Decisions
For existing schools and public buildings, I believe decisions are best developed with the people who use and manage those facilities.
Parents, educators, students, facility staff, and local residents should have a voice.
Local school boards and city councils should work with their communities to establish clear and respectful policies consistent with applicable law and everyone’s rights.
We rely too heavily on state and federal government to settle every disagreement.
My preference is less government intrusion and more local participation, responsibility, and problem-solving.
Locker Rooms Require Their Own Privacy Planning
The image accompanying this proposal illustrates a restroom concept.
Locker rooms present additional privacy considerations because they involve changing clothes and, in some cases, shower facilities.
Those spaces deserve separate planning that may include private changing areas, private shower options, and meaningful community input.
One-size-fits-all solutions rarely work. Communities should carefully evaluate the needs of their facilities and the people who use them.
My Commitment
As Governor, I would encourage practical design, respectful discussion, and local involvement.
Every person deserves dignity.
Every person deserves privacy.
Every person deserves safety.
Less hate and division. More common sense.
It’s a WE thing, not a ME thing.
Robert E. Brooks
The Farmer Servant
Independent Candidate for Governor of Oklahoma, 2026
Image Caption
Proposed restroom concept for future construction and planned renovations.
Illustrative design only. Individual projects require professional architectural,
engineering, accessibility, and legal review.