The position of the Kansas Federation of Republican Women is clear:  the safety of our community and every traveler passing through our region is non-negotiable.

While this recent incident at KCI involved one deviant, it should not be dismissed as isolated. It only takes one predator to cause irreparable harm. The reality is that there will always be individuals who seek opportunities to exploit situations of vulnerability. It is the responsibility of policymakers to eliminate as many of those opportunities as possible.

That means carefully scrutinizing policies and environments that may unintentionally create easier access for bad actors. If something as straightforward as maintaining gender-specific restrooms can serve as a deterrent or reduce risk, then it should not be a source of controversy, it should be promptly implemented. Safety must be prioritized over convenience or political posturing.

While waiting on a recent flight out of Kansas City International Airport, I made a deliberate choice, as a woman, to avoid gender-neutral restrooms.  This, despite their availability and shorter wait times. My safety mattered more than convenience.

No traveler should be put in that position.

Mayor Quinton Lucas, along with airport leadership and security officials, have a duty to KCI’s patrons to ensure that safety is prioritized at every level of the traveler’s experience.

Millions of dollars have been invested to upgrade KCI to reflect a modern, world-class facility. That standard must include uncompromising attention to patrons’ personal safety, not just in flight, but within the airport itself.

We cannot wait for another incident to justify action. Prevention is the responsibility of leadership, and the time to act is now.

Safety is not a talking point. It is a mandate.