Gender-neutral housing a "go" for 2009-2010 school year
By: Zakea Boeger, Staff Writer
Issue date: 10/30/08 Section: News
Last year, The Stentor reported that a gender-free housing proposal, initiated by senior Jared Fox and junior Jaime Perez, had passed through the Lake Forest College General Assembly. Now, the "Gender-Neutral" housing proposal, as it has come to be known, is set to take full effect for the 2009-2010 school year.
Both Fox and Perez expressed optimism about the new change and a desire for the change to aid the campus in bettering itself. "It feels great to know that I will be able to leave something at Lake Forest College, hopefully making it better than when I came in," said Fox. Perez echoed Fox's sentiments. "It feels extremely rewarding that our efforts paid off, especially when this proposal will hopefully change the campus atmosphere for the better," he said. Both Perez and Fox also expressed a happiness that Lake Forest College truly listened to what students wanted and needed. "The passing of this proposal shows that the College is open and willing to add new policies that mirror students' needs, especially when those needs are voiced," said Perez.
Neither Fox nor Perez foresee any major difficulties. They both pointed out that the policy had been reviewed very closely by various offices and committees before it went to Residence Life, and that all of the problems or questions that arose were worked out.
Many of the specifics of the new housing plan are still being worked out, according to Director of Residence Life Dean Harris, but the basics of gender-neutral housing have been decided. The housing application process itself would not change much. "Students will simply need to identify an interest in gender-neutral housing prior to the room selection process," Harris said. Both Lois and Moore residence halls will not be offered as a gender-neutral possibility, but all other halls will allow opposite-gender roommates. However, Harris also said that should one of the roommates participating in the gender-neutral housing choose to leave or move out, "the room will default to the sex of the student currently residing in the room."
Harris seemed optimistic about the program. "There has been no concern raised from students or administrators. Therefore, we are moving forward with offering this option," he said. "We believe that it's a positive step toward offering an additional housing choice to meet the needs of some of our students."
For any other Foresters who think that they may have a way to improve campus life, Fox and Perez have some recommendations. "Follow the proper channels and have patience," said Fox. Perez agreed, saying, "I think if anyone is interested in starting an initiative, I recommend working hard and not getting discouraged if it takes longer to get passed than you expected."
So, when applying for housing next year, be sure to look for the gender-neutral option and for any upcoming news about developments in the new housing choices.
Both Fox and Perez expressed optimism about the new change and a desire for the change to aid the campus in bettering itself. "It feels great to know that I will be able to leave something at Lake Forest College, hopefully making it better than when I came in," said Fox. Perez echoed Fox's sentiments. "It feels extremely rewarding that our efforts paid off, especially when this proposal will hopefully change the campus atmosphere for the better," he said. Both Perez and Fox also expressed a happiness that Lake Forest College truly listened to what students wanted and needed. "The passing of this proposal shows that the College is open and willing to add new policies that mirror students' needs, especially when those needs are voiced," said Perez.
Neither Fox nor Perez foresee any major difficulties. They both pointed out that the policy had been reviewed very closely by various offices and committees before it went to Residence Life, and that all of the problems or questions that arose were worked out.
Many of the specifics of the new housing plan are still being worked out, according to Director of Residence Life Dean Harris, but the basics of gender-neutral housing have been decided. The housing application process itself would not change much. "Students will simply need to identify an interest in gender-neutral housing prior to the room selection process," Harris said. Both Lois and Moore residence halls will not be offered as a gender-neutral possibility, but all other halls will allow opposite-gender roommates. However, Harris also said that should one of the roommates participating in the gender-neutral housing choose to leave or move out, "the room will default to the sex of the student currently residing in the room."
Harris seemed optimistic about the program. "There has been no concern raised from students or administrators. Therefore, we are moving forward with offering this option," he said. "We believe that it's a positive step toward offering an additional housing choice to meet the needs of some of our students."
For any other Foresters who think that they may have a way to improve campus life, Fox and Perez have some recommendations. "Follow the proper channels and have patience," said Fox. Perez agreed, saying, "I think if anyone is interested in starting an initiative, I recommend working hard and not getting discouraged if it takes longer to get passed than you expected."
So, when applying for housing next year, be sure to look for the gender-neutral option and for any upcoming news about developments in the new housing choices.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Susan DuMont
posted 12/02/08 @ 9:39 PM CST
I'm really excited for Lake Forest to be adopting this policy. I'm in a Student Affairs master's program and we just studied this, Lake Forest is really being cutting edge with the willingness to try this, there are less than 35 schools with active policies right now. (Continued…)
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