UCLA is finally starting to design a gender-inclusive housing option after years of discussion ““ and after dozens of other schools have embraced similar policies.
Last year, a gender-inclusive housing proposal from the Undergraduate Students Association Council was unanimously approved, prompting Housing Services and the Office of Residential Life to move forward with plans for such living arrangements.
All students deserve the opportunity to live in a safe, comfortable space with a compatible roommate, regardless of gender.
UCLA’s decision to pilot one gender-inclusive room this year is hardly a step forward, considering that the demand for this option has existed at least since 2005. Instead it shows the university is dragging its heels for no good reason.
As Housing and ORL structure a gender-inclusive policy, they should adapt models that have worked for other universities while also ensuring that students who choose the new option are fully integrated into the Hill. By the time room sign-ups for next year occur, students should be able to choose a roommate of a different gender.
In past years, only transgender students have been accommodated in special living arrangements at UCLA.
Some may argue that opening up this option to everyone will encourage romantically involved couples to live together, but data from other universities shows that most students who select this option are platonic friends. Even if roommates are romantically involved, why shouldn’t they be allowed to live together in a room they both pay for?
Another concern ““ that this housing option could increase instances of sexual assault, also has no basis in reality. Officials at Brown University and UC Riverside said there have been no reports of assault in gender-inclusive residential areas.
In fact, many UCLA students already live in gender-inclusive environments. After moving off campus, students may choose to live in a coed apartment. For the past several years, all buildings and floors on the Hill have included students of different genders.
Housing and ORL are currently considering two different options for gender-inclusive housing.
The first is similar to theme floors; students who choose to room with members of the opposite sex would all be placed in one area. Alternatively, gender-inclusive rooms would be available in two or three buildings. This model is ideal ““ otherwise, students who elect to live with someone of a different gender would be isolated for their decision.
Offering gender-inclusive housing would be a celebration of acceptance and accommodation, and those principles should be spread across the Hill.
Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of the editorial board.