The university is considering the option of gender-neutral housing for the upcoming school year.
The option would allow students interested in living with their friends of the opposite sex the opportunity to do so.
To Liam McGurl, a member of the housing committee, and an associate editor for The Bona Venture, gender-neutral housing is an imperative option to offer to students.
“Gender-neutral housing isn’t just important, it’s necessary,” McGurl, a senior journalism and mass communication major, said.
“We preach about our ‘inclusive’ university where all are made to feel welcome through Franciscan values — but there’s still a contingent of students who don’t feel welcome or accepted,” McGurl explained.
He said that he himself often felt that discomfort in his underclassmen years at Bonaventure, for no reason.
“For me, I have primarily female friends,” he said. “And, sadly, I was thrown into un-ideal living environments each year of my college career, just because I’m a male — completely uninterested in pursuing a [romantic relationship] with the friends [of the opposite sex] I hoped to live with.”
McGurl questions the necessity of making students feel forced into living situations they aren’t comfortable with.
“What does that forced environment lead to?” McGurl queried. “Discomfort, anxiety and, for some, depression. We can do better than that. People ought to be able to have an environment where they can live in a group that feels natural and welcoming — whether that means being allowed to live with those who prescribe to your gender identity… or just simply living co-ed in one dorm room.”
Haylei John, a junior Spanish and international studies major, said she would want the housing situation to be more inclusive.
“When I hear gender neutral I think people can live with each other regardless of gender; however, it’s just coed wings of hallways,” said John.
However, she noted she agreed that gender neutrality was important for the university.
“I would agree either way, whether it was people living in a garden or townhouse/suite with each other regardless of gender, I’m just confused on it because I feel like this new policy is almost the same as the current policy.”
Luis Rosario, a junior strategic communication major, sees the option as offering students a different perspective on life.
“Gender neutral housing could benefit Bonas because you really get a different perspective on how people of the opposite sex live,” Rosario said.
“It could make both men and women care about issues that might not directly affect them.”
mcelfrdh4@bonaventure.edu
