Sunday, December 05, 2010

'Gender-neutral' Dorm Roommates Latest Trend

The University of Arizona is considering a pilot program that would allow students of the opposite sex to live in the same dorm room, an option designed to make gay students feel more comfortable living on campus.

. . . universities are trying to take the ideological position that gender is arbitrary and socially meaningless.


-- From "University of Arizona considers co-ed dorm rooms" posted at KVOA TV4 Tucson AZ 11/23/10

The proposal right now would only make about five of the thousands of dorms here on campus "gender inclusive."

They are also looking into making a small wing of about twenty rooms exclusive to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender students.

Opponents of the idea are now speaking out. Religious defense group Alliance Defense says this will encourage sexual harrassment issues on campus.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "University of Arizona considering mixed-gender housing" by Anne Ryman, The Arizona Republic 11/22/10

Also known as gender-neutral, open housing or mixed-gender housing, the option is a growing trend on U.S. college campuses. It is offered to a varying degree at more than 50 colleges and universities, from elite private schools such as Dartmouth College to large public universities such as the University of California-Berkeley. Most of the policies have been enacted in the past five years.

Supporters say the option provides comfort and a feeling of security for groups that are vulnerable to harassment, such as students who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or questioning their sexuality.

"That's completely at odds with common sense," said David French, senior counsel with the Alliance Defense Fund, a Scottsdale-based Christian organization that seeks to preserve family values.

Critics also say universities shouldn't be subsidizing "poor choices" by mixing different sexes in the same rooms. College students already struggle with plenty of issues, including binge drinking, depression and anxiety, French said.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.