In the fall of 2003, Wesleyan University joined the ranks of a growing number of colleges and universities worldwide to institute a “gender-blind” housing option. What this means is that all students can choose their roommates regardless of their assigned legal or chosen genders and sexes, sexual orientations, expressions or identifications. As Kevin Hall, a junior at Wesleyan University, says, the idea is to “create an environment where student housing is not restricted to traditional limitations of the gender binary….ideal for students whose gender identification and/or gender expression varies from this standard paradigm.” The problem at universities worldwide, including Macalester, takes on many forms: some heterosexual students feel uncomfortable with homosexual roommates, homosexual students sometimes feel awkward with same-sex roommates, transgender students feel it’s difficult to assert a gender with which to be grouped and some students just relate better or would prefer to room with members of the opposite sex.

If gender-blind housing were put into effect at Macalester, many of these problems would be solved. Incoming first-years could choose to live on gender-blind wings or floors to accommodate their preferences. Specific, or all, upper-class dorms could provide a gender-blind housing option. Students who feel uncomfortable with the same-sex living accommodations would no longer be forced to move off campus or be subject to the chances of landing a single in the housing lottery.

A gender-blind housing option would create a safe, comfortable space for students who currently feel a lack thereof. It would stop current residential discrimination against students who choose gender identifications and expressions outside the traditional norms. Lastly, it would elevate the Macalester community as a whole to a higher level of acceptance and egalitarianism.

Currently, Queer Union is spearheading an initiative to create gender-blind housing at Macalester. Students have been in contact with administrators and are trying to rally support among administration, alumni and the trustees. Evidence and personal testimonies that gender-blind housing would be beneficial are being gathered by QU.

If you would like to support the institution of gender-blind housing at Macalester, watch for a petition being brought around campus within the upcoming weeks. If you feel you have experiences or opinions to contribute to the cause, please contact Faith at fcornwall@macalester.edu.